Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Long-term Lethal Toxicity Test with the Crustacean Artemia franciscana
Published on: April 14, 2012
Lethal carbon monoxide toxicity in a concrete shower unit
Karen Heath1,2, Roger W Byard3,4,5
1Forensic Science SA, GPO Box 2790, Adelaide, 5001, Australia.
Abstract:
A 47-year-old previously-well woman was found dead on the floor of a shower cubicle on a property in rural South Australia. The impression of the attending doctor and police was of collapse due to natural disease. Although there was significant stenosing coronary artery atherosclerosis found at autopsy, cherry pink discoloration of tissues prompted measurement of the blood carboxyhemoglobin level which was found to be 55%. The source of the gas was a poorly-maintained hot water heater that was mounted on the inside wall of the shower. Construction of the shower using an impermeable concrete rain water tank had caused gas accumulation when the water heater malfunctioned. Had lethal carbon monoxide exposure not been identified others using the same shower unit would also have been at risk.
Related Concept Videos
Manufacture of Concrete Masonry Units
These wet blocks are then transported for curing, which can occur in one of two environments: a...
Lethal Alleles
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Skeletons
Measurement: Standard Units
Measurement: Derived Units

