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Updated: May 29, 2026
13:13
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Homicidal methanol poisoning in a child
Jeanne M Beno1, Rebecca Hartman, Christine Wallace
1Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, Rochester, New York 14623, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|August 30, 2011
Summary
A toddler died from homicidal methanol poisoning. Forensic toxicology confirmed lethal methanol and formic acid levels, complicating the investigation due to multiple caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Chemical Homicide Investigation
Background:
- Methanol poisoning in children is rare but highly toxic.
- Establishing a timeline for methanol intoxication in young children presents diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 21-month-old child presented with flu-like symptoms and was found deceased.
- Autopsy toxicology revealed significant methanol concentrations (0.21-0.31%) and formic acid (1.0-6.4 g/L) in multiple biological samples.
- Comprehensive screening excluded other substances, and accidental ingestion was ruled out.
Findings:
- The case involved homicidal poisoning of a young child with methanol.
- The investigation was complex due to multiple individuals involved in the child's care and limited data on pediatric methanol toxicity timelines.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of forensic toxicology in identifying chemical homicides.
- It underscores the need for more research on the clinical presentation and toxicokinetics of methanol poisoning in pediatric populations.
- Accurate toxicological analysis is crucial for establishing timelines in child abuse and neglect investigations.
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