Death following intentional methyl bromide poisoning: toxicological data and literature review

A case of fatal poisoning due to ingestion-inhalation of methyl bromide (MeBr) is presented. In previously reported fatalities due to MeBr inhalation, only inorganic bromide levels in biological specimens were reported. Intact MeBr has not been isolated from human tissues following exposure. In the present case, MeBr was detected, confirmed and quantitated in various biological samples by headspace gas chromatography, and the clinical manifestations and autopsy findings are described. Postmortem MeBr peripheral blood concentration was 3.3 micrograms/mL and in subclavian blood was 3.8 micrograms/mL. Lung, brain, adrenal gland, kidney, liver and testis MeBr was 2.9, 3.5, 3.4, 2.6, 1.9 and 2.8 micrograms/g respectively; MeBr in bile was 1.2 micrograms/mL. Inorganic bromide concentrations were 530, 30, 310 and 130 micrograms/g in blood, brain, kidney and adrenal gland respectively.