Investigation of illness associated with exposure to hydrogen sulfide among Pennsylvania school students

During 1998, the Pennsylvania Department of Health received complaints about hydrogen sulfide odors believed to be associated with mushroom-composting operations in southeastern Pennsylvania. Many residents were concerned about possible illness in students attending an elementary school near the composting operations. In response, the department conducted health surveys during the spring and autumn at the exposed school and at a nearby control school. The surveys assessed whether exposures to hydrogen sulfide were associated with excess adverse health effects by comparing health effects among students from the exposed school with those among students from the control school. School nurses were trained to complete health questionnaires for the students. The state environmental agency measured daily ambient hydrogen sulfide concentrations at both schools. No consistent association was found between exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide and any adverse health effects. It was concluded that the students attending the elementary school near the mushroom-composting operations were not exposed to any significant public health hazard.