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A fatality due to accidental PineSol ingestion
C J Cording1, G M Vallaro, R Deluca
1Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|October 24, 2000
Summary
A fatal PineSol (a cleaning product) intoxication case is detailed, where an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease accidentally ingested the product. The primary cause of death was acute 1-alpha-terpineol poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- PineSol, a common household cleaner, contains toxic ingredients such as isopropanol and 1-alpha-terpineol.
- Accidental ingestion of cleaning products can lead to severe poisoning, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with cognitive impairments.
Observation:
- An 89-year-old female with Alzheimer's disease accidentally ingested PineSol, leading to her death.
- Autopsy revealed acute erosive gastritis, but no lung aspiration.
- Toxicological analysis identified 1-alpha-terpineol as the primary toxic agent.
Findings:
- Postmortem blood levels of 1-alpha-terpineol were 11.2 mg/L, with high concentrations also found in urine and gastric contents.
- Isopropanol levels in postmortem samples were below 10 mg/dL.
- Acetone levels were elevated across various postmortem samples.
Implications:
- This case highlights the significant toxicity of 1-alpha-terpineol in PineSol, leading to fatal outcomes even from accidental ingestion.
- It underscores the importance of safe storage of household chemicals and awareness of potential risks, especially for individuals with cognitive decline.
- The study demonstrates the utility of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for quantifying 1-alpha-terpineol in postmortem toxicology.