Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) following exposure to toxic gases of a swine confinement building

We describe the case of a 58 year old male, who developed a reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) after exposure to a high level of toxic gases in a swine confinement building. This previously healthy, nonatopic man developed moderate, partially reversible, airway obstruction and increased responsiveness within a month after the toxic exposure. The circumstances of the incident and the concomitant death of two sows make it likely that hydrogen sulphide was the causative agent. To our knowledge, this is the first case of reactive airways dysfunction syndrome reported from swine confinement buildings and, therefore, should raise awareness of this potential risk in that work environment.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. S. Shakeri, F. D. Dick, and J. G. Ayres Which agents cause reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS)? A systematic review Occup. Med., May 1, 2008; 58(3): 205 - 211. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Senthilselvan, L. Chenard, K. Ulmer, N. Gibson-Burlinguette, C. Leuschen, and J. A. Dosman Excess Respiratory Symptoms in Full-time Male and Female Workers in Large-Scale Swine Operations Chest, April 1, 2007; 131(4): 1197 - 1204. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Chenard, A. Senthilselvan, V. K. Grover, S. P. Kirychuk, J. A. Lawson, T. S. Hurst, and J. A. Dosman Lung Function and Farm Size Predict Healthy Worker Effect in Swine Farmers Chest, January 1, 2007; 131(1): 245 - 254. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J.A. Dosman, J.A. Lawson, S.P. Kirychuk, Y. Cormier, J. Biem, and N. Koehncke Occupational asthma in newly employed workers in intensive swine confinement facilities Eur. Respir. J., October 1, 2004; 24(4): 698 - 702. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]