Hydrogen Sulfide Concentrations in Mushroom Farm Operations

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Chester County, Pennsylvania is home to the largest region of mushroom farming in the United States which is credited with producing more than half of all fresh mushrooms in the US annually. Mushrooms are grown on a substrate made of fermented ingredients including animal manure. The bacterial decomposition of the growth substrate releases hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a toxic gas that can be lethal at concentrations above 100 ppm. The environmental sampling conducted by our research group found elevated and irregular H2S concentrations occurring on residential properties located near mushroom production facilities. In several instances, these readings were found in exceedance of Pennsylvania's ambient air quality standards. Concentrations are elevated enough to cause recognizable health symptoms in exposed groups and corrosion of outdoor metals and electrical equipment. The elevated exposure levels are a concern for the workers and the general public.

L. Gaston, West Chester University, Philadelphia, PA, West Chester University of PA, West Chester, PA, USA
D. Engelbrecht, West Chester University, Philadelphia, PA, West Chester University of PA, West Chester, PA, USA
D. Farcas, Hydro-Environmental Technologies, Inc., Acton, MA, USA
L. Cena, West Chester University, Philadelphia, PA, West Chester University of PA, West Chester, PA, USA 

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Environmental protection and monitoring

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