ECG alteration due to prolong exposure to natural gas leakage containing sulfur compounds in polluted areas of Masjid-I-Sulaiman (south of Iran)

This study was performed on 89 female healthy students with mean age 17 years who have lived in sulfur compounds contaminated areas of Masjid-I-Sulaiman (MIS). In order to determine the effects of sour gas containing sulfur compounds on some electrical activity of the heart, electrocardiogram was recorded. QT(c) interval, PR interval, QRS complex and total sum of bipolar limb leads amplitude of R waves were analyzed and compared to standard values by using one sample t-test at P<0.05 as the significant level. The results showed that PR interval and R amplitude were less than those of standard values. However, QT(c) interval and QRS complex were not significantly different from their normal values. It can be concluded that chronic exposure to sour gas containing hydrogen sulfide contaminated air may provoke alterations of electrical activity of the heart.