Case report
Hydrogen sulfide poisoning from toxic inhalations of roofing asphalt fumes

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0196-0644(86)80383-3Get rights and content

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning from inhalation of roofing asphalt fumes is a rare but devastating injury. Two cases of toxic inhalation involving exposure to several gases, including hydrogen sulfide, evolved from cooling asphalt, are presented. Both victims were treated with supportive measures, including 100% normobaric oxygen, and one also received sodium nitrite. In one patient rapid, complete recovery was temporally associated with nitrite administration. The patient not treated with sodium nitrite survived with apparently permanent severe neurological sequelae.

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    The opinions on assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Department of Defense.

    1

    Dr Hall was the recipient of a McNeil Fellowship in Clinical Toxicology at the time of this report.

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