“GAS ATTACK”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 July 1939, Page 9

“GAS ATTACK”

PATRONS OF RESTAURANT DRIVEN OUT. SULPHUR DIOXIDE FUMES FROM WORKSHOP. (By Telegraph—press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 13. Sulphurous fumes of pungent gas drove people from a city restaurant this morning. Coughing, and choking, wiping streaming eyes, they rushed out on to the pavement, where fresh air gave speedy relief. Nevertheless, an hour after the occurrence there were complaints of chest constriction and smarting of eyes. The “attack” occurred soon after 10 o’clock when the restaurant was filled with about 50 people taking morning tea. Without warning the gas made its presence felt, and there was an exodus reminiscent of scenes at A.R.P. rehearsals. The gas was sulphur dioxide, a colourless gas of pungent, suffocating odour, which may be produced by the burning of sulphur. It came from a workshop above the restaurant, where repairs were being made to a faulty cylinder valve. Being heavier than air, the gas percolated through the floor to the crowded room below. The manager of the workshop stated that sulphur dioxide was not considered a dangerous gas, being used to a considerable extent for refrigerating purposes. Small quantities could have no ill-effect. In fact, he added, a whiff was good for a cold because of its pungent nature. Large quantities. however, would soon produce unconsciousness if released in a confined space. The manager said that the gas was stored in a largecylinder, which was equipped with an escape valve, leading to the roof of the building. When there was excess pressure quantities of the gas were released.. Under normal conditions the gas speedily dispersed.