Journal Published Online: 10 March 2004
Volume 49, Issue 3

Sudden Death Caused by 1,1-difluoroethane Inhalation

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A 20-year-old man was found dead on the floor next to a computer, with a nearly full can of “CRC Duster” dust remover located next to the deceased on the floor, and an empty can of the same product on the computer desk. Toxicologic evaluation using either gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) method identified the active ingredient 1,1-difluoroethane (Freon 152a) in all tissues analyzed. Tissue distribution studies revealed highest concentration in central blood, lung, and liver. It is believed that the 1,1-difluoroethane inhalation was the cause of death.

Author Information

Xiong, Z
State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY
Avella, J
Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner, Hauppauge, NY
Wetli, CV
State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner, Hauppauge, NY
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS2003250
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003250