Worker at South Korean Wastewater Treatment Plant Dies

Dec. 3, 2018

A worker at a South Korean wastewater treatment plant is believed to have died from hydrogen sulfide poisoning after inhaling toxic gas

In South Korea, a worker who became unconscious after inhaling toxic gas at a wastewater treatment plant in Busan was pronounced dead on Dec. 2, according to police.

The 52-year-old worker is believed to have died from hydrogen sulfide poisoning, according to the hospital he was treated at. According to The Korea Herald, the police have asked the National Forensic Service to carry out an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

According to The Korea Herald, the poisonous gas, believed to be hydrogen sulfide, was leaked at 1:08 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the plant. 4 of the 10 workers who inhaled the gas fell unconscious. The other three remain unconscious, according to the Korea Herald.

The hydrogen sulfide level at the site of the leak was measured at 150 parts per million, as of 2:21 p.m. on Nov. 28. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act this is 10 times higher than the permissible level.

The Busan Fire Department said the toxic gas is believed to have been produced when workers poured alkaline wastewater into a well. According to The Korea Herald, the police collected samples from the well and requested an investigation by the National Forensic Service.

Sponsored Recommendations

Benefits of Working with Prefabricated Electrical Conduit

Aug. 14, 2024
Learn how prefabrication of electrical conduit can mitigate risk, increase safety and consistency, and save money.

Chemical Plant Case Study

Aug. 14, 2024
Chemical Plant Gets a Fiberglass Conduit Upgrade

Electrical Conduit Cost Savings: A Must-Have Guide for Engineers & Contractors

Aug. 14, 2024
To help identify cost savings that don’t cut corners on quality, Champion Fiberglass developed a free resource for engineers and contractors.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

May 24, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.