Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Ingestion of lye

C L Winek1, L Rozin, W W Wahba

  • 1Allegheny County Department of Laboratories, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.

Forensic Science International
|May 22, 1995
PubMed
Summary

A teenager died by suicide using drain opener after a friend's death. Autopsy confirmed ingestion of a highly alkaline substance, consistent with drain cleaner ingredients.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Drug and chemical blood-level data 2001.

Forensic science international·2001
Same author

Chemical burn from alkaline batteries--a case report.

Forensic science international·1999
Same author

Drowning due to cyclobenzaprine and ethanol.

Forensic science international·1999
Same author

Heroin fatality due to penile injection.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·1999
Same author

Sudden death in an adolescent boy due to a colloid cyst of the third ventricle.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·1998
Same author

Accidental death due to inhalation of butane.

Journal of analytical toxicology·1997

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Adolescent Psychology

Background:

  • Suicide is a significant public health concern among adolescents.
  • Grief and loss can be major contributing factors to suicidal ideation and behavior.
  • Access to and ingestion of household chemicals pose a potential risk for self-harm.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old male died by suicide.
  • The method involved the ingestion of a heavy-duty drain and sewer opener.
  • The decedent left a suicide note and was reportedly grieving a friend's recent suicide.

Findings:

  • Autopsy and toxicological analyses confirmed the ingestion of a highly alkaline substance.
  • The identified substance was consistent with the chemical composition of drain opener products.
  • The case highlights the lethal potential of common household chemicals when misused.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need for awareness regarding the accessibility of toxic household substances to vulnerable youth.
  • Mental health support for adolescents, particularly those experiencing grief or loss, is crucial in suicide prevention efforts.
  • Further research into the specific risks associated with household chemical ingestion in adolescent suicide cases is warranted.

Related Experiment Videos