Republic employee dies after hydrogen sulfide exposure at Ohio US Ecology facility

A 27-year-old Republic employee critically injured in a chemical release at a US Ecology facility earlier this month has died, reports Fox 8.

Ray Sullivan, a West Virginia native, was one of five people affected by a release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on Aug. 22 at the facility located along Central Avenue Southeast in Canton Township, Ohio. He was pronounced dead Aug. 26, according to his obituary.

Canton Township fire officials earlier this month told Fox 8 that five people were taken to the hospital after being exposed to H2S the morning of Aug. 22—four of whom were expected to be treated and released.

H2S can irritate the respiratory system and cause apnea, coma and convulsions, among other symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The US Ecology Canton facility converts hazardous inorganic waste into non-hazardous material. The company’s website states it uses equipment and fleet vehicles to transport, treat and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous material.

“We are saddened by the passing of one of our team members last week at our Canton, Ohio, facility,” reads a statement to Fox 8 from Republic Services, which acquired US Ecology in May. “Out of respect for the employee’s family we are unable to share additional details at this time, and we extend sincere condolences to all of his loved ones and colleagues. We continue to cooperate with authorities as they investigate the situation. There is no threat to the health or safety of the public.”

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has opened an investigation into the incident.