News Three resort workers die in suspected gas poisoning in Fukushima onsen

[thomas]

Who doesn't love to soak in sulphuric hot springs? However, few know its unmistakable sulphurous smell can be dangerous if inhaled in high enough concentrations.

Three men have died in the Takayu Onsen (高湯温泉) area in what authorities believe was an incident involving the inhalation of toxic gas commonly found in the country's renowned hot spring regions. The victims, all employees of a nearby hotel, were discovered on Tuesday in a mountainous area near Fukushima City, a location known for high levels of hydrogen sulfide, a hazardous gas produced by volcanic hot springs.

The gas gives Japan's onsen resorts an unmistakable sulphurous smell, but it can be dangerous if inhaled in high enough concentrations. Authorities said there is a possibility the three inhaled the gas, the Asahi Shimbun reported. At safe levels, the gas is said to be good for high blood pressure, joint pain and other ailments – health benefits that have long attracted visitors to the green-white waters of the 400-year-old resort. However, it can also be hazardous outdoors in poorly ventilated spaces and in high concentrations. The victims – the manager of Kagetsu Highland Hotel, a member of staff and the managing director of the company that runs the hotel – had been conducting routine maintenance checks at the hot spring's source when they were believed to have got into difficulty, Japanese media reported. Authorities were alerted on Monday evening when the men in their 50s and 60s failed to return to the hotel. A doctor at the scene confirmed they had died, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said, but authorities have yet to determine the official cause of death.

Three resort workers die in suspected gas poisoning near hot spring in Japan

Hydrogen sulphide gives Takayu Onsen its unmistakable sulphurous smell but can be dangerous if inhaled in high enough concentrations

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3 hotel workers die in Fukushima during check of hot spring source | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

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Takayu Onsen

Takayu Onsen (高湯温泉) is a hot spring resort in the Zainiwasaka district of the city of Fukushima.

• JREF
• 20 Feb 2025
• Views: 366
• Category: Fukushima Prefecture