A hazardous material episode: sulfur trioxide.
Twelve people working next to a chemical plant noted an emission of 2 h. Nine patients complained of a variety of symptoms, including 3 who had pleuritic chest pain, 2 with chest tightness, 2 with vague chest discomfort, 3 with eye irritation, 2 with dizziness, 1 with light-headedness, 1 with cough and 1 with an acidic taste in the mouth associated with nasal irritation. Pulmonary function was 100% of predicted in 5; 77.4, 85.7, 95.7, and 96.7% of predicted in the other 4. Three of the 4 with initial decreased FEV1's (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) improved. At follow-up, 1 had burning sensation of the tongue and mouth; a second noted burning sensation of his throat, tip of his tongue, and nostrils; and a third had superficial exfoliative-type lesions at the junction of her forehead and scalp. Two complained of continuous pleuritic chest pain. Sulfur trioxide exposure caused self-limited irritant effects.
Stueven
H A
HA
Oak Ridge Affiliated Universities, Tennessee.
Coogan
P
P
Valley
V
V
D002637:Chest Pain / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology*; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013461:Sulfur Oxides / Q000009:adverse effects*
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D013461:Sulfur Oxides; C011118:sulfur trioxide