Analysis of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in human postmortem specimens

Area of Science:

• Forensic toxicology
• Analytical chemistry

Background:

• N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is a common insect repellent.
• Accidental or intentional ingestion of DEET can occur, necessitating toxicological analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) levels in postmortem biological samples.
• To confirm the presence of DEET in various tissues and fluids after ingestion.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of postmortem specimens including stomach contents, blood, liver, and urine.
• Gas chromatography with an OV-101 column and a nitrogen phosphorus detector was employed for DEET quantification.
• Mass spectrometry was used for confirmation of DEET presence.

Main Results:

• N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) was detected in all four types of postmortem specimens analyzed.
• Quantifiable levels of DEET were determined in stomach contents, blood, liver, and urine.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the detectability and distribution of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in multiple postmortem matrices following ingestion.
• Analytical methods employed are suitable for identifying and quantifying DEET in forensic toxicology cases.