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A Fatal Case Report of Barium Chloride Toxicity
Caroline S Copeland1,2, Kirsten L Rock1, Andreia Pinhal3
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NQ, UK.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|December 14, 2022
Summary
This study reports the first intentional fatal self-poisoning with barium chloride in the UK. It provides crucial quantified barium levels in blood and vitreous humor to aid future forensic interpretations.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Barium toxicity depends on its salt form; barium sulfate is safe, while other salts like barium chloride are toxic.
- Fatal barium intoxications have been previously reported, with most accidental and some suicidal or homicidal.
- Intentional fatal self-poisoning with barium chloride is rare, with limited data on toxicological findings.
Conclusions:
- Barium chloride can cause fatal poisoning through intentional self-ingestion.
- Quantified barium levels in biological fluids are essential for forensic toxicology.
- This case enhances understanding and interpretation of barium toxicity in forensic investigations.
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