A burning issue. The Japanese "fire basin".
This article presents two deaths due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred when charcoal-burning hibachis were used as heating sources in enclosed camping facilities. In both deaths, the levels of blood carbon monoxide saturation were at or slightly below the expected lethal level. Coronary arteriosclerosis may have contributed to one death, while oxygen depletion may have been a contributing factor in the other. These cases illustrate the danger of using such heating sources in enclosed spaces, due to their carbon monoxide-generating capability. We suggest that suitable warnings be placed on the hibachis themselves.
Fain
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DB
Forensic Pathologist, Inc., Bossier City, Louisiana 71111.
McCormick
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GM
D002059:Burns, Inhalation / Q000209:etiology; D002165:Camping; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000652:urine; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000209:etiology*; D002606:Charcoal; D002648:Child; D006361:Heating / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D002606:Charcoal; D002248:Carbon Monoxide