Long-term effects on the olfactory system of exposure to hydrogen sulphide.
OBJECTIVE
To study chronic effects of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) on cranial nerve I (nervi olfactorii), which have been only minimally described.


METHODS
Chemosensations (smell and taste) were evaluated in eight men who complained of continuing dysfunction 2-3 years after the start of occupational exposure to H2S. Various bilateral (both nostrils) and unilateral (one nostril at a time) odour threshold tests with standard odorants as well as the Chicago smell test, a three odour detection and identification test and the University of Pennsylvania smell identification test, a series of 40 scratch and sniff odour identification tests were administered.


RESULTS
Six of the eight patients showed deficits of various degrees. Two had normal scores on objective tests, but thought that they continued to have problems. H2S apparently can cause continuing, sometimes unrecognised olfactory deficits.


CONCLUSIONS
Further exploration into the extent of such problems among workers exposed to H2S is warranted.
Hirsch
A R
AR
Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Zavala
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009832:Olfactory Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012903:Smell / Q000187:drug effects*; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide