Fatal formalin poisoning: A case report

A 55-year old male died after complaining of severe burning chest pain following ingestion of formalin. The examination findings and the corroborative evidence from the scene of occurrence helped in establishing the cause of death. Mishandling and lack of awareness of the hazardous effects of formalin are important aspects which need serious attention. Only a few cases of formalin poisoning have been reported from across the world and findings in formalin ingestion cases have been rarely described in literature. The case has been reported because of its rarity and also with an aim to increase the awareness of the ill effects of such a commonly used agent in medical practice.