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Citation |
Polson CJ. J. Crim. Law Criminol. Police Sci. 1953; 44(4): e531. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1953, Northwestern University School of Law, Publisher Williams and Wilkins) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
This article focuses on the prevalence of carbon monoxide poisoning in households, based on an examination of records of over 700 fatalities in Leeds, England from 1928 to 1953. The blood, when presented with a mixture of carbon monoxide and air will take up carbon monoxide in preference to oxygen. This will continue so long as the atmosphere contains carbon monoxide, or until the blood is saturated with it. A concentration of only one percent or 1,000 parts per 100,000 will kill those exposed to it for a brief period. The cumulative effect of the poison indicates the removal of the victim from the poisoned atmosphere as the immediate step in rescue attempts. Among suicides, carbon monoxide is the common mode. There have been 1,372 suicides in city of Leeds from 1928 to 1953 and of these, 625 or 44.7 percent were by carbon monoxide poisoning. The essential features of suicidal poisoning, either overtly or indirectly, show intent. On a few occasions an escape of gas has resulted from unsatisfactory closure or sealing of disused gas points or piping. Gas radiators are a safe means of space heating. If the burners are allowed to become fouled by dust, the fuel broken and the flue is inadequate, these appliances are a source of danger. This applies in particular to portable gas fires which should not be used in bedrooms. |