ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 3

Two Fatal Cases of Dichloromethane or Chloroform Poisoning
Suh, JK
Researcher and Chief, Division of Chemical Analysis, Header, Department of Research and Development, Division of Chemical Analysis The National Institute of Scientific Investigation,

Kim, NY
Researcher and Chief, Division of Chemical Analysis, Header, Department of Research and Development, Division of Chemical Analysis The National Institute of Scientific Investigation,

Park, SW
Researcher and Chief, Division of Chemical Analysis, Header, Department of Research and Development, Division of Chemical Analysis The National Institute of Scientific Investigation,

(Received 26 June 1995; accepted 28 September 1995)

Abstract

The two cases presented here involve deaths that were due to dichloromethane or chloroform poisoning. The dichloromethane and chloroform were determined in biological specimens by headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detector. In one case, dichloromethane concentrations found were 252 mg/L (blood), 75 mg/kg (brain) and 30 mg/kg (heart). From the case investigation, it was determined that the death was accidental but related to the dichloromethane poisoning. In the other case, chloroform concentrations were 60 mg/kg (blood) and 14 mg/kg (lungs), respectively. This case, the cause of death was chloroform poisoning by forced inhalation in addition to oronasal obstruction.

Keywords:
forensic science, dichloromethane, chloroform, poisoning, headspace GC, mass spectrometic detector

Paper ID: JFS13951J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13951J
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