Confined-space accidents on the farm: the manure pit and the silo.
Manure pits and silos are potentially dangerous, gas-containing confined spaces on the farm that may generate hazardous levels of hydrogen sulphide and nitrogen dioxide respectively. Although these inhalation injuries are uncommon, emergency physicians who work within transport distance of rural areas should be aware of the toxic agents involved and their acute management. This article reviews the toxicology, clinical manifestations and treatment of acute, farm-related hydrogen sulphide and nitrogen dioxide exposures.
Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 3W2, Canada. lshepher@julian.uwo.ca
L G
LG
Shepherd