Citation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA. MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. 1954; 3(31): 1.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1954, (in public domain), Publisher U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Dr. H. T. Fuerst, New York City Health Department, gives information on marsh gas poisoning among 35 construction workers. In the course of constructing a sanitary sewer, 11 diggers became ill at various times during an interval of about 4 weeks. The principal symptoms were conjunctivitis and/or iridocyclitis, headache, weakness, nausea, pulmonary irritation, and paresthesia. Most of the men recovered in 1 or 2 days. Upon investigation it was found that the construction was taking place over a bog that had been filled in. When sections of the bog were uncovered, a heavy odor of hydrogen sulphide was emitted. Work was stopped temporarily and air blowers were installed to disperse the gases. Following such installation, the gas concentration was below that considered the maximum allowable for 8 hours of exposure. Work was resumed and no further illnesses have occurred.