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Related Experiment Videos

Lethal cyanide inhalation with post-mortem trans-cutaneous cyanide diffusion.

Stephan Seidl1, Bernd Schwarze, Peter Betz

  • 1Institute of Legal Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstrasse 22, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. stephan.seidl@recht.med.uni-erlangen.de

Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|November 7, 2003
PubMed
Summary

A metal factory worker died in a cyanide solution. High cyanide levels in tissues, not stomach, suggest inhalation and post-mortem skin diffusion, complicating cause of death determination.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic toxicology
  • Occupational health and safety

Background:

  • A fatal incident occurred in a metal processing factory involving a worker exposed to a chemical solution.
  • The solution contained potassium dicyano argentate, potassium cyanide, master batch, and brightener 'Elfit 73'.
  • The deceased was found in a basin, wearing protective gear including an acid-resisting overall, rubber boots, and a dust respirator.

Observation:

  • Cyanide concentrations varied significantly across different biological samples.
  • Stomach contents showed a low cyanide concentration (0.05 microg/ml).
  • Lung tissue (7.7 microg/g), heart blood (6.3 microg/ml), and femoral vein blood (31 microg/ml) exhibited substantially higher cyanide levels.

Findings:

  • The observed distribution of cyanide concentrations suggests a primary lethal route via inhalation.

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  • Extensive post-mortem diffusion of cyanide through intact skin of the buttocks and legs is indicated.
  • The high concentration in femoral vein blood is likely due to post-mortem diffusion rather than vital antemortem absorption.

    • Implications:

    • High cyanide concentrations in a single blood sample site may not definitively indicate vital antemortem poisoning.
    • Forensic investigations must consider post-mortem diffusion, especially in cases of immersion.
    • This case highlights the importance of comprehensive toxicological analysis and interpretation in occupational fatalities.