Author Description

Brain Robber is a trade work about the impact on the human brain of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a sulfur compound with diverse sources and functions. Hydrogen sulfide makes fossil fuels sour. Tiny traces mediate impulses in the brain and high concentrations slow function and disorder the brain, burns eyes and throats. Rotten egg gas accelerates aging. It has many sources to be avoided apart from petroleum. Hydrogen sulfide in minute amounts is an ultra-fast chemical mediator in the brain, but at higher concentrations poisons and even kills brain cells and human hosts. Failing to kill, it damages many brain functions, causing loss of balance, memory, and concentration; and depression. These losses of function can be measured. To defend against H2S, one must recognize that it warns by its foul smell. It has diverse sources so that millions of people are exposed from petroleum collecting and refining, shale fracking, animals, and sewage. It is heavier than air, so it collects below ground in garages, wells, and pits. Diagnostic measurements of brain function are critical and thoughtfully discussed. People generating waste such as sewage workers and others in the smelly trades, oil and natural gas products, chemicals, plastics, asphalt, bunker fuel, and animal food. Potential readers include two to 10 million from the path of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; five million in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, Canada, near tar sands mining and refinery; millions in the oil-natural gas fracking states from New York to California; and neighbors of CAFO's millions of hog raisers.