Health Consultation: Air Quality. Hydrogen Sulfide in Ambient Air Near Saufley Field Construction and Demolition Debris Landfill, Bellview, Escambia County, Florida. EPA Facility ID: FLN000409867

摘要

In this report, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) reviewed November and December 2006 hydrogen sulfide air monitoring results from four residential properties near the Saufley Field Landfill, in Bellview, Escambia County, Florida. We reviewed these data at the request of the Escambia County Health Department and the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR). Ambient air was tested in response to nearby residents' complaints as part of a health study conducted by the Escambia County Health Department with technical support from ATSDR and the FDOH. Since the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes, the Saufley Field Landfill in Escambia County accepted large volumes of construction and demolition debris including large amounts of drywall that is also known as wall board or sheetrock. As the waste decomposes, landfill-related odors, gases, fires and particulate matter occur if appropriate engineering controls are not in place. Decomposing drywall is of particular concern because of its breakdown byproduct: hydrogen sulfide gas. Anaerobic bacteria convert the sulfate in the drywall into hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a characteristic rotten egg smell. Because some of the decomposition processes of landfill waste are exothermic, gases produced can reach combustible concentrations resulting in the frequent occurrence of surface and sub-surface fires. When these fires ignite, particulate matter from the landfill may be emitted into the environment. Environmental emissions of particulate matter, odors, gases, and fire from the landfill may affect the health and safety of surrounding residents.