ABSTRACT
Hydrogen sulfide, often called “stink damp” by miners because of its distinctive odor, is a naturally occurring air contaminant found in some coal mines in the western United States. This contaminant is not a typical hazardous gas in underground coal mines. Because hydrogen sulfide potentially can cause serious harm or even death, mine operators must evaluate exposure of their miners to this hazardous gas. If the hydrogen sulfide levels are high then the mine operator must develop acceptable and effective control measures to minimize exposure of miners to hydrogen sulfide.
