Hessel P A, Herbert F A, Melenka L S, Yoshida K, Nakaza M
Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Am J Ind Med. 1997 May;31(5):554-7. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199705)31:5<554::aid-ajim9>3.0.co;2-t.
A study was undertaken to assess pulmonary health effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exposure in a group of workers (n = 175) extracting and processing oil and natural gas in west-central Alberta. Exposure to H2S was assessed by questioning the workers about "exposures strong enough to cause symptoms," and exposures that resulted in loss of consciousness (a "knockdown"). Exposures strong enough to cause symptoms were reported by 34% of the workers. Fourteen workers (8%) reported having had a knockdown. Exposures severe enough to cause symptoms were not associated with lower spirometric values or excess symptoms. Knockdowns were not associated with lower spirometric values but were associated with statistically significant excesses of (1) shortness of breath while hurrying on the level or walking up a slight hill (OR = 3.55; 95%CI = 1.02-12.4); (2) wheeze with chest tightness (OR = 5.15; 95%CI = 1.29-20.6); and (3) attacks of wheeze (OR = 5.08; 95%CI = 1.28-20.2). The pattern of excess respiratory symptoms is consistent with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, which has been documented in studies of high-level exposure to other irritant gases. Additional study is warranted and should include assessment of bronchial reactivity.
开展了一项研究，以评估艾伯塔省中西部一组从事石油和天然气开采及加工工作的工人（n = 175）接触硫化氢（H₂S）对肺部健康的影响。通过询问工人关于“足以引起症状的接触”以及导致意识丧失（“击倒”）的接触情况来评估H₂S接触。34%的工人报告有足以引起症状的接触。14名工人（8%）报告曾有过“击倒”情况。足以引起症状的接触与较低的肺功能测定值或额外症状无关。“击倒”情况与较低的肺功能测定值无关，但与以下情况在统计学上有显著增加相关：（1）在平地上匆忙行走或走上小山坡时呼吸急促（比值比[OR]=3.55；95%置信区间[CI]=1.02 - 12.4）；（2）伴有胸闷的喘息（OR = 5.15；95%CI = 1.29 - 20.6）；以及（3）喘息发作（OR = 5.08；95%CI = 1.28 - 20.2）。额外呼吸道症状的模式与支气管高反应性一致，这在其他刺激性气体高浓度接触的研究中已有记录。有必要进行进一步研究，且应包括支气管反应性评估。
