One type of confined space, manure storage facilities, may contain methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. High concentrations of methane can be explosive, and hydrogen sulfide can reach life threatening levels in seconds. High carbon dioxide levels indicate low air flow exchange rates which may further indicate an oxygen deficiency. Ammonia irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. Another type of confined space, silos, may contain oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide.
Sulfur dioxide is an irritant.
From 1980 through 1989, at least 48 worker deaths have occurred as a result of exposure to high concentrations of toxic gases or low levels of oxygen in these facilities. It is estimated that several thousand workers have suffered chronic and acute health effects from toxic and irritating gases produced within these facilities. Farm animals experience prolonged exposure to lower level pollutants including dust particles that are less than one micron in size. Continual exposure to these hazardous gases can cause stress, loss of appetite, and even death. Exposure to air pollutants can also cause or aggravate various acute and chronic diseases.