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

Abstract

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.