Suicide by Ethyl Methacrylate Ingestion

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Forensic Pathology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Acrylic nail application involves mixing ethyl methacrylate and acrylic powder.
• Ingestion of these chemicals is not previously documented in medical literature.
• The decedent was a nail technician, suggesting occupational exposure or intentional ingestion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document a novel method of suicide by ingesting acrylic nail chemicals.
• To describe the unique autopsy findings associated with this type of poisoning.
• To raise awareness of potential chemical hazards in occupational settings like nail salons.

Main Methods:

• Case report analysis of a deceased individual.
• Review of scene investigation findings.
• Autopsy examination including gross pathology and toxicology.

Main Results:

• Decedent found deceased with a partially empty bottle of ethyl methacrylate.
• Autopsy revealed significant gastrointestinal tract damage, including esophageal discoloration.
• Stomach contents showed a hardened, molded acrylic nail compound.
• Cause of death attributed to complications from ingesting ethyl methacrylate and acrylic powder.

Conclusions:

• Ingestion of ethyl methacrylate and acrylic powder represents an unusual and fatal method of suicide.
• Autopsy findings included characteristic chemical burns and a solidified mass in the gastrointestinal tract.
• This case highlights the potential for severe toxicity from commonly used industrial chemicals.