Skip to content

Hydrogen Sulfide Quote by Mary Roach

“Hydrogen sulfide is as lethal, molecule for molecule, as cyanide. This may explain why humans evolved such exquisite sensitivity to its smell.” quote by Mary Roach
Download Open image
““Hydrogen sulfide is as lethal, molecule for molecule, as cyanide. This may explain why humans evolved such exquisite sensitivity to its smell.””

Mary Roach

About This Quote

Source Book: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, 2003

Hydrogen sulfide is extremely poisonous, comparable molecule cyanide, and humans have evolved a keen sense of its odor for survival.

In simple terms: Hydrogen sulfide is deadly; we can smell it.

Key Takeaway

Respect and avoid toxic gases.

Themes

biology chemistry human evolution

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

scientific informative

When to use this quote

  • industrial safety
  • environmental monitoring
  • medical diagnostics

Key Concepts

toxicity sensory adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does our sense of smell protect us?
  • What other toxins are we uniquely sensitive to?
A Different Perspective

The comparison may oversimplify complex toxicology.

2.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Mary Roach

Explore all 435 Mary Roach quotes

More Hydrogen Sulfide quotes

Browse all 3 Hydrogen Sulfide quotes