Environmental Defense Calls For Strict NC Hydrogen Sulfide Standards

(10 February, 2003 — Raleigh)  Environmental Defense today called on the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to protect public health in the state by adopting strict standards for emissions of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a pollutant produced by pulp and paper mills and phosphate mining operations.  The EMC’s air quality committee will consider setting emission standards for the pollutant, commonly identified by its rotten-egg odor, at a meeting February 12 in Raleigh.

The standards under consideration by the EMC have been recommended by the N.C. Division of Public Health and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Scientific Advisory Board.  The standards are expected to meet industry resistance.

“The smell of rotten eggs caused by hydrogen sulfide is a familiar and offensive odor to many North Carolinians.  But hydrogen sulfide is not simply an odor problem, it’s also a health problem,” said Michael Shore, southeast air quality manager for Environmental Defense.  “Hydrogen sulfide inflicts harm on the eyes and lungs, contributing to respiratory problems for people living close to certain facilities and for those in communities dozens of miles away.  For many North Carolinians, hydrogen sulfide doesn’t just smell bad, it feels bad.”

“North Carolina citizens have been exposed to this unhealthy pollutant for far too long.  The EMC now has scientific evidence documenting the toxic effects of hydrogen sulfide on the public health, and it knows the major sources of this pollutant.  The EMC should act without delay to set meaningful standards,” said Shore.