Sulfur vapor poisoning

Sulfur and its compounds are widely used in many fields: chemistry (sulfuric acid, sulfites), agriculture (pesticides), industry (dyes, batteries), disinfectants and many others. Since this substance can be encountered anywhere, the risk of sulfur vapor intoxication is quite high.

In pure form, sulfur is not used everywhere, most often it is found in the form of such compounds: hydrogen sulfide, sulfur carbonate, sulfur oxide and sulfur dioxide.

Causes of the sulfur poisoning

Affecting the body is possible in these cases:

• Inhalation of toxins produced when a substance burns.
• Violation of occupational health and safety.
• Combustion of petroleum products.
• Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide (being near a sewer for an extended period of time).
• Intentional ingestion of hydrogen sulfide.

Symptoms of the sulfur poisoning

Clinical symptomatology depends on the variety and concentration of sulfur compounds:

Hydrogen sulfide - it smells like rotten eggs, but after a few breaths it is no longer perceptible. It can be inhaled to the point of death.

Signs of poisoning:

• Headache and dizziness.
• Tearing, rubbing and burning in the eyes.
• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, cough.
• Overexcited state.

In particularly severe cases, seizures, collapse, coma, toxic pulmonary edema and instant death develop.

Carbon sulfide - has an ether odor that causes irritation, redness, and blisters with serous contents inside. Vapor exposure can cause several stages of acute intoxication:

• Mild - symptoms resemble intoxication, the victim has inadequate behavior, overexcited state.
• Medium - the above symptomatology is complemented by psychotic outbursts, seizures, lacrimation, lashes in the eyes.
• Severe - this stage is similar to chloroform anesthesia, further the patient has mental failures.
• Chronic - prolonged headaches, sleep disorders, increased sweating and weakness, irritability, polyneuritis, mood swings.

Without timely medical care, pathological symptomatology worsens. Chronic lesion progresses, encephalopathy develops, memory decreases, mental retardation, depression, sexual disorders, disorders of the internal organs and GI tract. The development of Parkinson's disease is also possible.

Sulfur dioxide - adversely affects the respiratory tract and causes these symptoms:

• Sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath.
• Respiratory irritation.
• Chest pain.
• Hyperemia and inflammation of the eyes.
• Clouding of consciousness.
• Elevated body temperature.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Nosebleeds.

In particularly severe cases, suffocation, toxic pulmonary edema and death develop.

Complications and consequences

The danger of sulfur vapor intoxication is that even mild stages of body damage entail complications. If the impact on the body was prolonged, the consequences are very serious: mental disorders, encephalopathy, bronchitis, toxic parkinsonism, reduced performance. The worst consequence is death.

Treatment of the sulfur poisoning

Regardless of the type of sulfur or its compounds, the first aid to the victim is to call an ambulance. Before the ambulance arrives, the patient is evacuated from the contaminated area to clean air. If possible, oxygen inhalations are carried out. If the sulfur got on the skin, they are thoroughly washed with ordinary water or soda solution. When exposed to vapors, nasal drops with vasodilating action are injected. If the substance was taken internally, it is necessary to induce vomiting, giving the victim plenty of warm water. Further treatment is taken care of by doctors.

Here are the basic steps that can be taken in a medical facility to treat sulfur poisoning:

1. Medical evaluation and stabilization: The victim will be medically evaluated to determine the severity of the poisoning and to stabilize their condition. This may include measuring blood sulfur levels, monitoring the cardiovascular system, respiration and other vital bodily functions.
2. Artificial ventilation: If necessary, artificial ventilation is performed using a ventilator to maintain normal blood oxygenation.
3. Detoxification: Detoxification procedures can be performed to remove sulfur from the body. This may include infusion of fluids to speed up the elimination of the poison, as well as the use of antidotes if available.
4. Electrolyte monitoring and maintenance of vital functions: The victim will be medically monitored for electrolyte imbalances and to maintain normal heart, kidney and other organ function.
5. Treatment of complications: Sulfur poisoning can cause various complications such as respiratory problems, arterial hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia and others. Treatment is aimed at eliminating these complications and maintaining vital body functions.
6. Medical observation and rehabilitation: The victim will be observed in a medical facility to monitor his/her condition and provide rehabilitation measures if necessary.