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A Fire Extinguisher Death: The Macklin Effect.

Ryan Blumenthal1, Brigitte Hänert-van der Zee

  • 1From the Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 27, 2017
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A man died after inhaling fire extinguisher powder, leading to lung injury and esophageal rupture. This case provides visual evidence of the Macklin effect, a rare phenomenon of air spreading into the chest cavity.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Toxicology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Accidental or intentional self-harm involving inhalation of foreign substances can lead to severe respiratory complications.
  • Dry chemical fire extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate, which can cause significant tissue damage upon inhalation.

Observation:

  • A case study of an adult male found deceased with extensive facial deposition of monoammonium phosphate powder.
  • Internal examination revealed powder in the airways, a ruptured esophagus, pneumomediastinum, fractured ethmoid bones, and powder within the thoracic cavity.
  • Lung tissue analysis showed birefringent material consistent with monoammonium phosphate along bronchovascular sheaths and in a subpleural distribution.

Findings:

  • Inhalation of dry chemical fire extinguisher contents resulted in barotrauma and asphyxia.
  • Evidence of esophageal rupture and traumatic emphysema (pneumomediastinum) was observed.
  • Microscopic examination confirmed the presence of monoammonium phosphate within the lung tissue.

Implications:

  • This case provides strong evidence supporting the etiology and pathophysiology of the Macklin effect.
  • It offers the first visual documentation of the Macklin effect, enhancing understanding of its occurrence.
  • Highlights the severe and potentially fatal consequences of inhaling fire extinguisher contents.