A death in a stationary vehicle whilst idling: unusual carbon monoxide poisoning by exhaust gases

Osawa, Motoki; Horiuchi, Hidekazu; Yoshida, Koutaro; Tada, Takeshi; Harada, Akira

doi:10.1016/s1344-6223(02)00094-9

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Death by CO poisoning is commonly the result of deliberate exposure to the gas within a confined space, such as a vehicle [16][17][18]. Death occurs as a result of oxygen deprivation at a cellular level whereby the binding of CO to blood haemoglobin in place of oxygen reduces the oxygencarrying capacity of the blood [17,19,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decomposition and insect succession on cadavers inside a vehicle environment

Voss

Forbes

Dadour

2007

Forensic Sci Med Pathol

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This study presents differences in rate of decomposition and insect succession between exposed carcasses on the soil surface and those enclosed within a vehicle following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Nine 45-kg pigs were used as models for human decomposition. Six animals were sacrificed by CO gas, half of which were placed within the driver's side of separate enclosed vehicles and half were placed under scavenger-proof cages on the soil surface. A further three animals were sacrificed by captive headbolt and placed under scavenger proof cages on the soil surface. The pattern of insect succession and rate of decomposition were similar between surface carcasses within trials regardless of the mode of death. Progression through the physical stages of decomposition was 3-4 days faster in the enclosed vehicle due to higher temperatures there compared to external ambient temperatures. Patterns of insect succession also differed between the vehicle and surface treatments. Carcass attendance by representatives of the Calliphoridae was delayed within the vehicle environment by 16-18 h, while oviposition was not observed until 24-28 h following death. In contrast, attendance by Calliphoridae at surface carcasses occurred within 1 h of death, and oviposition occurred within 6-8 h of death. Typical patterns of insect succession on the carcasses were also altered. Carcass attendance by representatives of the Coleoptera occurred during the bloat stage of decomposition at surface carcasses but was delayed until the onset of wet decomposition (as defined by carcass deflation and breakage of the skin) within the vehicle environment. This study provides baseline data outlining the decomposition patterns of a carcass enclosed within a vehicle following CO poisoning in Western Australia. Understanding how variations in decomposition situations impact on the rate of decomposition and patterns of insect succession is essential to obtaining an accurate estimate of minimum post-mortem interval (PMI).

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decomposition and insect succession on cadavers inside a vehicle environment

Voss

Forbes

Dadour

2007

Forensic Sci Med Pathol

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“…The circumstances most often occur in an enclosed environment and may be intentional or unintentional. Deaths occurring secondary to faulty automotive exhaust systems can result in an increase in CO within the passenger compartment and cause morbidity or death of unsuspecting victims .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Death in a Large Enclosed Ventilated Area

Huston¹,

Froloff²,

Mills³

et al. 2013

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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A 55-year-old man with a medical history of tobacco use suddenly collapsed while power washing an empty indoor pool in a hotel. The decedent was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced. A postmortem examination revealed atherosclerotic heart disease and bilateral pulmonary edema and congestion. A postmortem blood carbon monoxide (CO) level was 27% saturation, and a CO performed on hospital admission blood was 49% saturation. CO poisoning is a common cause of toxicological morbidity and mortality in the United States. The circumstances most often occur in an enclosed environment and may be intentional or unintentional. CO poisoning has been reported in open, well-ventilated spaces, but rarely results in death. A warning label was present on the engine clearly stating the dangers of CO emission. However, there was a false sense of security due to the large size of the pool room and the presence of industrial blowers that were being used for ventilation.

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“…Osawa et al 17 reported an autopsy case in which death was caused by accidental CO poisoning in a stationary vehicle idling in an open space. They found that exhaust gases invaded the interior through the floor from a defective exhaust system.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%