[Poisoning by exhaust gas of the imperfect combustion of natural gas: 22 cases study].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the case characteristics of poisoning by exhaust gas of the imperfect combustion of natural gas and provide references for forensic identification and prevention of such accidents.


METHODS
Twenty-two cases of poisoning by exhaust gas of the imperfect combustion of natural gas in Minhang District during 2004 to 2013 were collected. Some aspects such as general conditions of deaths, incidence time, weather, field investigation, and autopsy were retrospectively analyzed.


RESULTS
In the 22 cases, there were 15 males and 16 females. The age range was between 2 and 82 years old. The major occurring time was in January or February (8 cases in each) and the cases almost occurred in small area room (21 cases). There was wide crack next to the exhaust port when the gas water heater was been used in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
There are more prone to occurrence of exhaust gas poisoning of imperfect combustion of natural gas in small area room with a ventilation window near the exhaust port of gas water heated. It shows that the scene of combustion exhaust gas poisoning should be more concerned in the cold season.
Li-Min
LM
Dong
Hai
H
Zhao
Ming-Chang
MC
Zhang
Meng
M
He
D000056:Accident Prevention; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001344:Autopsy; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003643:Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059206:Natural Gas / Q000506:poisoning*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D059206:Natural Gas