ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 November 2004
Page Count: 3

Fatality Due to Methyl Acetylene-Propadiene (MAPP) Inhalation
Avella, J
Toxicologist, Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner,

Lehrer, M
Chief Toxicologist, Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner, NY

(Received 8 May 2004; accepted 25 June 2004)

Abstract

A 33-year-old man died after intentionally inhaling a gaseous mix of methyl acetylene (propyne) and propadiene (allene) commonly known as MAPP, which is used for soldering and welding. He was found with a plastic bag securely placed over his head and a cylinder of MAPP alongside his head. The cylinder had been vented into the bag using a flexible hose. A comprehensive toxicological analysis revealed only a trace of diphenhydramine in the liver and 0.02 mg/L of morphine in the urine. Analysis of blood by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) detected two unknown peaks. These were determined to be the components of MAPP gas. MAPP was quantitated in femoral blood (59.6 mg/L) and brain (43.6 mg/kg) using a HS-GC method. The cause of death was attributed to acute MAPP intoxication, and the manner was determined to be suicide. A discussion on the analytical and interpretive considerations commonly encountered when analyzing volatile compounds is also presented.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic toxicology, methyl acetylene, propadiene, MAPP, volatile abuse

Paper ID: JFS2004200
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004200
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