Fatality due to methyl acetylene-propadiene (MAPP) inhalation.
A 33-year-old man died after intentionally inhaling a gaseous mix of methyl acetylene (propyne) and propadiene (allene) commonly known as MAPP, which is used for soldering and welding. He was found with a plastic bag securely placed over his head and a cylinder of MAPP alongside his head. The cylinder had been vented into the bag using a flexible hose. A comprehensive toxicological analysis revealed only a trace of diphenhydramine in the liver and 0.02 mg/L of morphine in the urine. Analysis of blood by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) detected two unknown peaks. These were determined to be the components of MAPP gas. MAPP was quantitated in femoral blood (59.6 mg/L) and brain (43.6 mg/kg) using a HS-GC method. The cause of death was attributed to acute MAPP intoxication, and the manner was determined to be suicide. A discussion on the analytical and interpretive considerations commonly encountered when analyzing volatile compounds is also presented.
Avella
Joseph
J
Department of Forensic Toxicology, Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner, Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099, USA. joseph.avella@suffolkcountyny.gov
Lehrer
Michael
M
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000466:Alkadienes / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D000480:Alkynes / Q000032:analysis / Q000506:poisoning*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013405:Suicide
D000466:Alkadienes; D000480:Alkynes; D005740:Gases; C022030:methylacetylene; C025947:propadiene