Gas geyser--a cause of fatal domestic carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is responsible for a large number of accidental domestic poisoning and deaths throughout the world. Domestic carbon monoxide poisoning is rarely reported in India and remains an under recognized problem. The diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning is usually based on autopsy findings, circumstantial evidence and estimation of carboxy-haemoglobin in blood. We report a case of fatal accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in a bathroom where an LPG gas water heater was installed recently. Cherry pink discolouration of the body and organs on autopsy suggested carbon monoxide poisoning. Laboratory analysis of blood by UV visible spectrophotometry revealed presence of dangerous levels of carboxy-haemoglobin. Effective preventive measures can help in bringing down the mortality and morbidity associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, JJM Medical College, Davangere, India.
T S
TS
Mohankumar
Tanuj
T
Kanchan
K S
KS
Pinakini
Ritesh G
RG
Menezes
Manisha
M
Singh
Parmendra
P
Sirohi
Naureen
N
Anwar
D000061:Accidents, Home; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D020378:Confined Spaces; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D055815:Young Adult
D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin