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Related Concept Videos

Internal Combustion Engine01:20

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The internal combustion engine is a heat engine that uses the byproducts of combustion as the working fluid instead of using a heat transfer medium to transfer heat. The combustion is done in a way that produces high-pressure combustion products that can be expanded through a turbine or piston to create work. Internal combustion engines can again be categorized into three kinds: (1) spark ignition gasoline engines, most commonly used in automobiles, (2) compression ignition diesel engines that...
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Combustion, commonly known as burning, is a reaction in which a substance reacts with an oxidizing agent, which in most cases is molecular oxygen, to liberate energy in the form of heat, light, or sound. The heat of combustion is also known as the enthalpy of combustion. The energy released when one mole of a substance undergoes complete combustion at constant pressure is called molar heat of combustion. Combustion reactions are exothermic; that is, they release energy, and their ΔH sign...
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Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
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Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells
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Lethal carbon monoxide generated from small internal combustion engines.

Brian E Hyson1, Brittany M Friedman1, Brianna Spear2

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Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|June 5, 2024
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Small internal combustion engines can cause lethal carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces. Medical examiner cases reveal diverse engine types as sources and highlight limitations of gas detection equipment for first responders.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Fuel-burning small engines pose a significant risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in poorly ventilated areas.
  • Lethal CO exposure from small engines is a recurring issue in death investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cases of lethal CO poisoning attributed to small internal combustion engines.
  • To identify common sources of CO emissions from these engines.
  • To assess the limitations of monitoring equipment used by first responders.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewed seven fatal CO poisoning cases from 2013-2020.
  • Analyzed carboxyhemoglobin saturation using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry.
  • Examined the performance of electrochemical gas monitors in real-world scenarios.

Main Results:

  • Identified various small engines (generators, forklifts, marine engines, etc.) as CO sources.
  • Documented a case where a gas monitor falsely reacted to acetylene, misdirecting the investigation.
  • Confirmed the potential for lethal CO concentrations from these devices.

Conclusions:

  • Medical examiner case data is crucial for educating first responders on unexpected CO sources.
  • First responders must be aware of both the hazards and equipment limitations during CO investigations.
  • Enhanced awareness can improve responder safety and accuracy in death investigations.