A gas leak in Ludhiana killed 11 people while four others were admitted to hospital in the wee hours of April 30, 2023.
Key points
- Authorities have detected high levels of hydrogen sulphide, a highly toxic gas, in Ludhiana’s Giaspura locality.
- Hydrogen sulpide at low levels triggers irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Moderate levels lead to headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, coughing and difficulty breathing.
- The gas gives an unpleasant smell at concentrations above 0.5 parts per million (ppm), according to a 2014 paper.
- Higher levels can cause shock, convulsions, coma and even death, according to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Hydrogen sulphide concentration above 50 ppm is life-threatening, and above 700 ppm, it can be fatal.
- Hydrogen sulphide occurs naturally in sewers. It tends to build up in low-lying and enclosed spaces, such as manholes and sewers.
