Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Laboratory Scale Slow Cook-Off Testing of Rocket Propellants: The Combustion Rate Analysis of a Slowly Heated Propellant (CRASH-P) Test
Published on: February 6, 2021
Two cases of acute propane/butane poisoning in prison
Riccardo Rossi1, Fabio Suadoni, Ludovica Pieroni
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo F. Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy. riccardo.rossi@rm.unicatt.it
Abstract:
Hydrocarbon inhalation is seldom chosen as a means to commit suicide. This practice is exclusively a prerogative of the prison population; it is, however, only exceptionally found in this environment. The two cases of lethal inhalation of propane/butane gas observed by us over a very short time occurred in this context. Toxicologic analyses were performed by means of gas chromatography (head space) and revealed a propane/butane mixture in all specimens (heart blood, bile, and urine) except vitreous humor. Although fatal arrhythmia posthydrocarbon gas abuse is well known, the concentrations of the two hydrocarbons were sufficient to induce death by asphyxiation and were distributed (fairly) homogeneously in all biological fluids and organs examined, a parameter permitting one to assume that death occurred within a relatively short period of time. The absence of finding in vitreous humor and the trace amount in urine suggests that both men died very quickly.
Related Concept Videos
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...

