[Fatal outcome of an hydrogen sulfide poisoning]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2005 Oct;24(10):1302-4. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2005.04.024. Epub 2005 Jun 9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report a case of fatal outcome poisoning by massive exposure to hydrogen sulfide of a sewer worker. This rare event was associated with a moderate intoxication of two members of the rescue team. The death was due to asystole and massive lung oedema. Autopsy analysis showed diffuse necrotic lesions in lungs. Hydrogen sulfide is a direct and systemic poison, produced by organic matter decomposition. The direct toxicity mechanism is still unclear. The systemic toxicity is due to an acute toxicity by oxygen depletion at cellular level. It is highly diffusable and potentially very dangerous. At low concentration, rotten egg smell must trigger hydrogen sulfide suspicion since at higher concentration it is undetectable, making intoxication possible. In case of acute intoxication, there is an almost instantaneous cardiovascular failure and a rapid death. Hydrogen sulfide exposure requires prevention measures and more specifically the use of respiratory equipment for members of the rescue team.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants / poisoning*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced
  • Heart Arrest / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / poisoning*
  • Hypoxia / chemically induced
  • Lung / pathology
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Pulmonary Edema / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Edema / pathology
  • Rescue Work
  • Sewage

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Sewage
  • Hydrogen Sulfide