title: The forensic investigation of propane gas asphyxiation.
abstract: Two unusual suicides of a 19-year-old white man and a 47-year-old white man, involving propane inhalation and plastic bag suffocation, are described. The special characteristics of propane gas as an asphyxiant agent are discussed, as well as its effect on the human body. The discussion emphasizes the postmortem examination and the collection of samples for toxicologic analysis.
authors.affiliation: Morris County Medical Examiner's Office, Morristown, New Jersey 07963, USA. cfonseca@co.morris.nj.us
authors.forename: Carlos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Auerbach
authors.forename: Ronald V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Suarez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology*; D001344:Autopsy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011407:Propane / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D013405:Suicide; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D011407:Propane