Hydrogen sulfide exposure in an adult male

ABSTRACT

Hydrogen sulfide [H[2]S] is responsible for many incidents of occupational toxic exposure, especially in the petroleum industry. The clinical effects of H[2]S depend on its concentration and the duration of exposure. H[2]S is immediately fatal when concentrations are over 500-1000 parts per million [ppm] but exposure to lower concentrations, such as 10-500 ppm, can cause various respiratory symptoms that range from rhinitis to acute respiratory failure. H[2]S may also affect multiple organs, causing temporary or permanent derangements in the nervous, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, and hematological systems. We present a case of occupational exposure to H[2]S leading to multi-organ involvement, acute respiratory failure, organizing pneumonia, and shock resembling acute sepsis. The patient also developed mild obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease and peripheral neuropathy