ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

Suicide by Ingestion of Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide
Gressmann, E
Toxicologist, FL

Romig, LA
Resident in emergency medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas City Affiliated Hospitals, MO

Mittleman, RE
Associate medical examiner, Dade County Medical Examiner Department, FL

(Received 11 April 1984; accepted 24 April 1985)

Abstract

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is a free radical-generating compound used as a fiberglass resin hardener. A 41-year-old Haitian man developed severe metabolic acidosis, hemolysis, esophageal and gastric necrosis, and perforation of the stomach after drinking an undetermined amount of MEKP in a successful suicide attempt. The biochemical effects of free radicals explain the necrosis and hemolysis observed.

Keywords:
toxicology, suicide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide

Paper ID: JFS11889J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11889J
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