ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 2

A Fatal Case of Benzene Poisoning
Bulla, G
Medical doctors and associate professor, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania,

Romano, G
Medical doctors and associate professor, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania,

Barbera, N
Medical doctors and associate professor, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania,

(Received 12 December 1997; accepted 6 March 1998)

Abstract

Chronic effects following repeated exposure to low doses of benzene have been well assessed, whereas few data are available about acute exposure to benzene. We report a case of fatal acute intoxication which occurred aboard a chemical cargo ship.

Autopsy findings included blood clots inside the heart and main vessels, multi-organ congestion, pulmonary edema and the presence of many vibices in the hypostatic areas.

Toxicological analysis of blood and urine showed a benzene concentration of 31.67 and 2.26 μg/mL, respectively; high concentrations of benzene (μg/g) were also found in the lungs (22.23), liver (378.60), brain (178.66), heart (182.57) and kidneys (75.15). The above data provide evidence for benzene distribution in various organs.

Keywords:
forensic science, acute benzene poisoning, benzene distribution, body fluid and tissue analysis

Paper ID: JFS14396J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14396J
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