Korean J Leg Med.  2004 May;28(1):63-67.

A Case of Outdoor Fatal CO Poisoning by Exhaust of Water Pump Motor

• Kim YS
• Lee H
• Park JS
• Lee HY

Abstract

Carbon monoxide(CO) is a colorless, nonirritating, odorless and tasteless gas originating from incom-plete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Its toxicity is well-known for invisible, silent killer and is caused by a consequence of tissue hypoxia created by the displacement of oxygen from hemoglobin and subse-quent impairment of oxygen release to the tissues. It affects different sites within the body, but has its most profound impact on the organs with the highest oxygen requirement. The determination of the extent of intoxication depends on the CO concentration and the intensity and duration of inhalation, but because of its high affinity to hemoglobin, extremely low concentrations in the atmosphere can produce very high blood concentration of CO. Indoor emission sources, notably fuel-burning heating appliances, cause most accidental or suicidal deaths, and almost cases of fatal CO poisoning occur in enclosed or restricted place. But this case occured in the field beside water pump which was operating and such a peculiar case has its significance for the alert to public health and occupational safety.

Keyword

Outdoor; Water pump

MeSH Terms

Anoxia
Atmosphere
Carbon
Heating
Hot Temperature
Inhalation
Occupational Health
Oxygen
Poisoning*
Public Health
Carbon
Oxygen