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Case Reports
. 2019;28(5):490-492.
doi: 10.1159/000500009. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Suicidal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Using Motor Vehicle Exhaust in an Open Space

Czesław Żaba  1   2 , Paweł Świderski  1 , Karina Sommerfeld-Klatta  3 , Zbigniew Żaba  4 , Katarzyna Pluta-Hadas  5 , Monika Urbaniak  6
Affiliations
Case Reports

Suicidal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Using Motor Vehicle Exhaust in an Open Space

Czesław Żaba et al. Med Princ Pract. 2019.

Abstract

Objectives: A rare case of a suicidal use of gases from the car exhaust system of the car petrol engine in an open space is presented.

Clinical presentation and intervention: To verify suicidal intent of poisoning, an experimental reconstruction of the crime scene was performed. This demonstrated that appropriately long exposure to carbon monoxide with unfavorable weather conditions can cause acute carbon monoxide poisoning in an open space.

Conclusions: This case was studied to observe the pattern of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning in an open space. This might be helpful for forensic medicine, emergency medicine, and occupational medicine.

Keywords: Car exhaust; Carbon monoxide poisoning; Suicide.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Reconstruction of the presumed body position during lawsuit experiment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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