Possible long term effect of exposure to sulphur dioxide.

Abstract

Sulphur dioxide is one of the oldest products of industry to which man has been exposed and its use under modern conditions is widespread. The effect of exposure to sulphur dioxide has attracted little attention, however, beyond studies of the immediate effects, and I have found only one controlled investigation into the long term effects (Kehoe, Willard, Kitzmiller, and Leblanc, 1932). The immediate consequences of exposure to heavy concentrations are no concern of this paper, although at Abadan we are aware of the effects on the eye, the skin, and the lungs. They can be severe, but there has been no record of death due to exposure to sulphur dioxide in Abadan over the past five years. The present investigation was stimulated by statements by labourers, supervisors, and others that in their view continued exposure to the fumes of sulphur dioxide must be a contributory cause, if not the cause, of tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and other chronic chest disease ; and the con fusion in the medical literature with regard to the immediate effects of exposure to heavy concentra tions and the long term effects of ordinary industrial exposure. For instance, Kehoe and others (1932), Johnstone (1948), and Sappington (1943) maintain that chronic chest disease from ordinary industrial exposure will not occur. On the other hand, Romanoff (1939) and Dowling (1937) have reported cases of asthma following the inhalation of sulphur dioxide. Admittedly the asthma occurred in patients with a manifest allergic diathesis and after fairly severe exposure, although accurate assessment of the exposure was sometimes difficult to obtain. Enquiries as to long term effects have been made of authorities in the United Kingdom, but as a rule the answers have been expressions of opinion, and it is admitted that there is little direct evidence. Many people are influenced by the obvious imme diate results of exposure to heavy concentrations and feel that chronic effects must inevitably occur. Conditions at Abadan