Citation

Eren F, Türkmen Inanir N, Fedakar R, Eren B, Gürses MS. Maedica (Buchar) 2015; 10(1): 52-54.

Affiliation

Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Magister and Empire Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

26225151

PMCID

PMC4496768

Abstract

Magnesite (MgCO3) is a mineral which is theoretically composed of 52.2% CO2, 47.8% MgO, and very scarce amounts of Fe2O3 with a degree of hardness varying between 3.4-4.5 kgf, and specific gravity of 2.9-3.1 g/cm(3). Its color varies between white, yellow or gray, and brown. Magnesite is used in agriculture, and drug industry, brick, iron-steel, paper, and sugar industries. Our case was a 30-year-old male whose death was reportedly associated with exposure to 2700°C molten magnesite in the melting potansiyel of the plant where he was working as a metal worker. At autopsy, on external examination, except from his left forearm, all over his body was charred from severe burns. Both of his legs from ankles, and right forearm from its middle third were nearly amputated, and body muscles were partly detached because of high temperature. Widespread areas of thermal rupture were observed. On internal examination scalded appearance of internal organs was noted. Blood, and urine analysis did not reveal any substance abuse. Herein, we have aimed to discuss, and evaluate death events because of exposure to very high temperatures from the perspective of forensic medicine, and occupational safety.

Language: en