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Confined-space accidents on the farm: the manure pit and the silo

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Lisa G. Shepherd
Lisa G. Shepherd*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Thomas–Elgin General Hospital, St. Thomas, Ont
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Thomas–Elgin General Hospital, PO Box 2007, St. Thomas ON N5P 3W2; lshepher@julian.uwo.ca

Abstract:

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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.

Keywords

hydrogen sulphidesilonitrogen dioxidefarm accident
Type
Rural and Small Urban Issues Médecine Rurale et des Petits Centres Urbains
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 1 , Issue 2 , July 1999 , pp. 108 - 111
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 1999

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