Occupationally related hydrogen sulfide deaths in the United States from 1984 to 1994

Alice Hamilton described fatal work injuries from acute hydrogen sulfide po isonings in 1925 in her book Industrial Poisons in the United States. There is no unique code for H2S poisoning in the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision; therefore, these deaths cannot be identified easil y from vital records. We reviewed US Occupational Safety and Health Adminis tration (OSHA) investigation records for the period 1984 to 1994 for mentio n of hazardous substance 1480 (hydrogen sulfide). There were 80 fatalities from hydrogen sulfide in 57 incidents, with 19 fatalities and 36 injuries a mong coworkers attempting to rescue fallen workers. Only 17% of the deaths were at work places covered by collective bargaining agreements. OSHA issue d citations for violation of respiratory protection and confined space stan dards in 60% of the fatalities. The use of hydrogen sulfide detection equip ment, air-supplied respirators, and confined space safety training would ha ve prevented most of the fatalities.