Citation

Wen S, Unuma K, Uemura K. J. Forensic Leg. Med. 2022; 90: e102390.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102390

PMID

35717756

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO(2)) is widely used for fire protection and is lethal when inhaled at the minimum design concentration. Two workers were performing periodic maintenance of isolated stored CO(2) cylinders of a fire extinguishing system, and during the maintenance, CO(2) was accidently discharged into the storage room. The workers were found unconscious beside the cylinders and were confirmed dead in the hospital soon after. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed severe acute hypercapnia accompanied by respiratory acidosis. Combined with the scene investigation and autopsy findings, the cause of their death was determined to be CO(2) intoxication and possible involvement of asphyxiation. Considering the repeated occurrences of unfortunate deaths involving CO(2) fire extinguishing systems, this report will be useful for forensic pathologists when dealing with similar cases.

Language: en

Keywords

Intoxication; Autopsy; Carbon dioxide; Asphyxiation; Fire suppressant; Forensic