Short-term effects of subchronic low-level hydrogen sulfide exposure on oil field workers

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the short-term effects of lowlevel hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) exposure on oil field workers. Materials and methods Observational study included 34 patients who work at an oil field. All patients were males with age range of 22-60 years (mean 37 years). The data were collected by systematic questionnaire about symptoms. The inclusion criteria of patients were symptoms related to inhalation of H 2 S gas in the oil field. The complaints should be frequent and relapsed after each gas exposure and disappeared when there was no gas exposure. Exclusion criteria were the symptoms which experienced with or without H 2 S exposure. The presence of H 2 S gas was confirmed by valid gas detector devices. Results The most frequent presenting symptom was nasal bleeding. It was revealed in 18 patients (52.9 %). This followed by pharyngeal bleeding, gum bleeding, and bloody saliva (mouth bleeding) which were encountered in five cases for each complaint (14.7 %). Other less frequent presenting symptoms were tongue bleeding, bloody sputum, headache, abdominal colic, pharyngeal soreness, fatigue, and sleepiness. Conclusions Nasal mucosa was the most vulnerable part to H 2 S effect. Inhalation of H 2 S produced upper respiratory tract epithelial damage that led to bleeding from nose, pharynx, gum, tongue, trachea, and bronchi. There were no complaints of asthmatic attack upon exposure to low level of H 2 S. Sunlight had a significant role in reduction of ambient air H 2 S level.

Hydrogen sulphide exposure in waste water treatment

“…H 2 S can be extremely hazardous, being able to cause pulmonary oedema [ 9 – 11 ] sudden unconsciousness (> 500 ppm) or death by even a single exposure if the levels are over 1000 ppm [ 12 , 13 ]. Repeated exposure to lower levels may result in more chronic respiratory symptoms [ 14 ] and symptoms from upper respiratory tract [ 15 ], the central nervous system, such as fatigue, headache, poor memory and dizziness [ 16 ]. As H 2 S exposure is characterised by short peaks, often with high intensity, it represents an extremely hazardous risk for workers because of the toxicity in high concentration combined with the pattern of exposure [ 1 , 17 ].…”

Prevalence and Predicting Factors of Chronic Pain among Workers of Petrochemical and Petroleum Refinery Plants

“…Petrochemical and petroleum refinery industries produce various types of pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), heavy metals, and hazardous air pollutants. 28 Several studies have reported headache as a common effect of hydrogen sulfide exposure on oil field workers. 28 Another important factor contributing to chronic headache is stress.…”

“…28 Several studies have reported headache as a common effect of hydrogen sulfide exposure on oil field workers. 28 Another important factor contributing to chronic headache is stress. 29 Petrochemical and petroleum refinery workers experience unique stressors such as busy and noisy workplaces.…”

“…Man-ual handling of material and taking awkward postures while doing operational activities, moving/lifting and pushing/ pulling heavy objects, and overhauls are very common among petrochemical and petroleum refinery workers. 28 Under such circumstances, injuries and herniated/ deteriorating discs are not unexpected. Choobineh, et al, report that static and awkward postures and moving/lifting and pushing/pulling heavy objects are significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in various body regions in Iranian petrochemical workers.…”

Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure to Public Health Risk Around Cibereum Landfill Area at Banjar City

“…Damapak klinis paparan gas H2S secara klinis pada konsentarsi rendah (0,1-10 ppm) menyebabkan iritasi pada mata, hidung dan tenggorokan, kelelahan, sakit kepala, pelupa dan pusing (Farahat & Kishk, 2010;Heldal, dkk, 2010;Mousa, 2015;Simbolon, dkk, 2019) Keluhan ganguan kesehatan pada penelitian yaitu batuk, sakit kepala, pilek, sesak napas, nyeri dada, sakit tenggorokan. Hasil keluhan gangguan kesehatan masyarakat sekitar TPA SampahCibeureumtiga tahun terakhir disajikan pada Tabel 5.…”