Hydrogen sulfide alarm: groundwater in Premnitz contaminated!

Hydrogen sulfide alarm: groundwater in Premnitz contaminated!

There is a sense of alarm in the Havelland district! Residents in the city of Premnitz have been warned about dangerous groundwater contamination from hydrogen sulfide. These pollutants come from the area of ​​the former viscose factory. However, according to district spokesman Martin Kujawa, the public drinking water supply is not affected. Groundwater damage caused by sulfide was detected in the northwestern part of the industrial area, and the viscose factory was demolished in 2015. The problem could arise from chemical processes or putrefaction that lead to the formation of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can be particularly dangerous at high concentrations.

Health hazard from hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide has a characteristic, unpleasant rotten egg smell and, if inhaled, can cause respiratory irritation, nausea and, in severe cases, even respiratory failure. Of particular concern is the fact that high concentrations are often undetectable, increasing the risk to those around them. The district strongly advises against using groundwater from the affected area, be it for garden irrigation or for household purposes. The dangerous gas could also be released during pumping. As a preventive measure, residents should immediately leave the area if they smell the strong smell and inform the relevant authorities, the reported MAZ.

However, the risks of hydrogen sulfide are more far-reaching, as the analysis shows hydrogensulfide.net shows. In addition to the acute health risks, the gas can also have environmental impacts, such as corrosion of infrastructure and pollution of air quality through harmful emissions. Safety teams recommend applying special protective measures, especially in industries where such toxic gases may be present, to ensure exclusive safety protocols and protect the health of the population while avoiding savings in maintenance costs due to premature damage.