Dept of Forensic Medicine, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala
Inhalation of carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless non-irritating gas formed during incomplete oxidation of carbonaceous materials in furnaces, internal combustion engines, etc., at a concentration of 50-60% can cause mental confusion and movement disorder resembling acute alcoholism. Death can occur if the concentration exceeds 70%.
A nineteen year old boy was found dead in a closed room in suspicious circumstances in an abnormal posture, suggestive of violence before death. The colour of the postmortem staining, as also that of the tissues and organs, histopathological findings of lungs, etc., and blood examination findings revealed it to be a case of carbon monoxide poisoning. Scene examination was conducted and the source of carbon monoxide located, thereby resolving the case.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in a condition akin to alcohol intoxication, and can lead to disturbance of the scene owing to incoordinated and disoriented movements of the victim. He may not call for help as there is mental confusion. As he inhales more and more of the gas, there is progressive toxicity and eventual death. A careful postmortem examination together with histopathological investigation, scene examination, and chemical analysis can resolve the issue, which may otherwise be mistaken for death due to violence.
