Question
Question: Is hydrogen harmful to humans?...
Is hydrogen harmful to humans?
Solution
We need to know that hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table. It is a colorless, odorless gas. It can exist in diatomic molecules i.e. hydrogen gas. It has atomic number one. Hydrogen is slightly more soluble in organic solvents than in water. Many metals absorb hydrogen. Hydrogen absorption by steel can result in brittle steel, which leads to failures in the chemical process equipment.
Complete answer:
Inhaling hydrogen can be harmful to humans in many ways. Inhalation of hydrogen leads to nausea, eye irritation, vomiting, headache and many more symptoms like this. Inhalation of high concentration of hydrogen can cause asphyxiation. Asphyxiation means being deprived of oxygen, which can cause suffocation, unconsciousness and death. At very high concentrations in air, hydrogen is a simple asphyxiant gas because of its ability to displace oxygen and cause hypoxia. Hydrogen has no other known toxic activity. Hydrogen can be harmful for us. Effects of exposure to hydrogen: Fire: Extremely flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Explosion: Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Routes of exposure: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. Inhalation: High concentrations of this gas can cause an oxygen-deficient environment. Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting and depression of all the senses. The skin of a victim may have a blue color. Under some circumstances, death may occur.
Note:
We need to know that hydrogen is not expected to cause mutagenicity, embryotoxicity, teratogenicity or reproductive toxicity. Pre-existing respiratory conditions may be aggravated by overexposure to hydrogen. Inhalation risk: On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly.