1Assist Prof., Deptt. of Forensic Medicine, Shri V N Govt Medical college, Yavatmal, Maharashtra
2Assist Prof., Dept of Biochemistry, Shri V N Govt Medical college, Yavatmal, Maharashtra
3Resident, Dept of Forensic Medicine, Shri V N Govt Medical college, Yavatmal, Maharashtra
Online published on 17 November, 2012.
Carbon monoxide (CO) an "INVISIBLE KILLER". Having high affinity for hemoglobin, it forms carboxyhemoglobin. Resulting decrease in both oxygen-carrying capacity and oxygen release leads to end-organ hypoxia. Common sources of CO poisonings in urban areas is from automobiles and in home from ill fitted gas heaters. Signs & Symptoms of poisoning depend on the exposure to percentage in the inhaled air. At low levels it can lead to headache & nausea where as neurological symptoms and even death at high levels.
We report four cases of accidental death due to carbon monoxide poisoning in a rural area of central INDIA while cleaning an old well.
Carbon-monoxide, Carboxyhaemoglobin, Hypoxia, Cherry Red, Petechial Haemorrhage
