A death involving asphyxiation from propane inhalation

A death involving asphyxiation by propane inhalation is reported. The presence of propane was determined in blood, brain, kidney, liver, and lung by gas chromatography. Autopsy samples were heated in hot water, and headspace samples from various specimens were injected into the gas chromatograph. The identity of propane was established on the basis of the retention times. The brain of the deceased showed the highest level of propane, whereas the kidney exhibited the lowest level.