Problems of Forensic Sciences 2004 Vol. 58 (LVIII) 121-126
CARBON MONOXIDE INTOXICATION IS STILL AN IMPORTANT ISSUE IN FORENSIC MEDICINE
Barbara POTOCKA-BANAŚ, Sławomir MAJDANIK, Krzysztof BOROWIAK, Tomasz JANUS
Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin
Streszczenie
A case of fatal carbon monoxide intoxication of a 20-year-old man in his own bathroom has been presented in this paper. Forensic medical post-mortem examinations did not reveal any injures or chronic disease symptoms. In the course of toxicological examinations, a level of 65% carboxyhemoglobin was ascertained in the blood. In the case records, two other, earlier incidents (one fatal, 3–4 months earlier) in this block of flats were described. The first-contact physician attributed both cases to chronic cardiac disease. The case records show that four gas heaters located in neighbouring flats were connected to one inefficient flue in the building where the young man died. The presented case illustrates that carbon monoxide intoxication continues to be an important problem in forensic practice, and it is necessary to increase awareness of this danger amongst the public and especially first-contact medical and paramedical staff.
Słowa kluczowe
Intoxication; Carbon monoxide; Assessment of cause of death.