ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 March 1987
Page Count: 7

The Confined Space-Hypoxia Syndrome
Allyn, B
Senior Medical investigator, medical investigator, pathologist, and assistant medical examiner, Rockland County Medical Examiner's Office, NY

Zappi, E
Senior Medical investigator, medical investigator, pathologist, and assistant medical examiner, Rockland County Medical Examiner's Office, NY

Zugibe, FT
Chief medical examiner, Rockland County, NY

Costello, JT
Senior Medical investigator, medical investigator, pathologist, and assistant medical examiner, Rockland County Medical Examiner's Office, NY

Breithaupt, MK
Senior Medical investigator, medical investigator, pathologist, and assistant medical examiner, Rockland County Medical Examiner's Office, NY

(Received 24 March 1986; accepted 27 May 1986)

Abstract

Two meter readers of a local water company were found dead in an underground water meter pit. Studies revealed a decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide in the pit as a result of aerobic microorganisms present in the pit. Such an atmosphere may be rapidly fatal to the unwary worker who frequents such an environment. It is of paramount importance that this occupational hazard be recognized so that preventative measures may be established. We propose that the term “Confined Space-Hypoxia Syndrome” be adopted to all such confined space accidents occurring in water meter pits, tanks, holds of ships, mines, underground storage bins, and so forth, resulting from oxygen-deficient atmospheres. A series of recommended preventative procedures is included.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, Confined Space-Hypoxia Syndrome, death

Paper ID: JFS11161J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11161J
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