Korean J Leg Med.  2006 Oct;30(2):185-192.

Unusual Case of Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning due to Faulty Chimney Duct

• Choi YS
• Park WS
• Choi BH
• Kim YJ
• Kim DY
• Cho SJ
• Eum M
• Lee KC

Abstract

Carbon monoxide(CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating gas whose relative density is a little less than that of air. The most common sources of CO in deaths are fires, automobile exhaust, defective heaters, and incomplete combustion of burning products, such as charcoal briquets. CO is produced whenever organic materials are burned with inadequate supply of oxygen necessary to produce complete combustion. The CO poisoning is one of the most common causes of death in developing and underdeveloped countries. Almost fatal CO poisoning cases, mostly accidental or suicidal deaths occur in enclosed or restricted place nearby fuel-burning heating appliances. However, this case occurred in very unusual place away from the heating appliances due to faulty chimney duct. Because of a peculiar place, it is difficult to imagine the cause of death as a CO poisoning. Deaths from CO inhalation can occur if the individual is in proximity to a rich source of CO for a prolonged time. Therefore, even though men dies away from the heating appliance, it is necessary to bear in mind the possibility of CO poisoning.

Keyword

CO intoxication; Faulty chimney duct

MeSH Terms

Burns
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning*
Carbon Monoxide*
Carbon*
Cause of Death
Charcoal
Fires
Heating
Hot Temperature
Humans
Inhalation
Male
Oxygen
Poisoning
Specific Gravity
Vehicle Emissions
Carbon
Carbon Monoxide
Charcoal
Oxygen
Vehicle Emissions