He also reported having some breathing difficulty for which he was referred to his own physician. The fire inspector was also medically evaluated by an occupational health clinic. He said that it took about 1 weeks before his vision was back to normal. At the time of the interview, he mentioned that he was having nose bleeds since his exposure. The two firefighters were exposed to a refrigerant gas, presumed to be sulfur dioxide.
Sulfur dioxide is a very toxic, irritating gas with an odor similar to burning sulfur.
Inhaled sulfur dioxide tends to dissolve in the upper airways, combining with moisture to form an acid solution. Exposure to high levels can cause death from severe airway obstruction or pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs that may be delayed hours or days after exposure. Exposure to lower levels can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing burning, dryness, coughing, and chest tightness. Sensitivity varies among people, and short exposures have been found to produce a reversible decrease in lung function. Sulfur dioxide will also react with moisture on the skin to cause irritation and itching.