Dept of Forensic Medicine, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka
Phenol (carbolic acid) being a commonly used disinfectant in daily life due to its widespread use in hospitals, hotels, and homes is available freely in the market. Even though it is very toxic, it is a cheap alternative to other branded, more effective and safer products. Cases of accidental ingestion are reported periodically because of its ubiquitous availability.
In this case, a servant's child was playing in a corridor nearby, while the mother was preparing phenol by mixing together the required agents. When the ball with which the child was playing fell into the bucket accidentally, an attempt was made to retrieve it. In the process, the child slipped into the bucket. The child was rescued immediately and taken to hospital. In spite of adequate medical care, the child died on the third day following admission. Death had occurred due to cutaneous absorption of carbolic acid.
