NCJ Number
225611
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 1434-1436
Date Published
November 2008
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes a suicide in the workplace that is believed by the authors to be the first case of intentional carbon dioxide (CO2) intoxication in the modified atmosphere of an apple packaging room attributed to asphyxiation caused by CO2 intoxication and oxygen depletion.
Abstract
A 45-year-old male employee of a fruit and vegetable packing company was found dead on the floor of a confined room at his workplace. The place of his death was a confined room used for special packaging of vegetables, apples, and other fruits. The atmosphere of this room was modified in order to increase the shelf-life of packaged apples. External examination showed no sign of a struggle, and the victim had no history of psychiatric disorders or medical illnesses. The rescue team measured the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of the ambient air with a digital CO tester and found a level higher than 600 particles per million. Analysis of an arterial blood sample taken with an airtight syringe revealed the absence of CO but high levels of carbon dioxide. Autopsy showed no significant injury. At the deceased’s home, police investigators found a handwritten note of intent that described a recent personal crisis; his wife had left home and wished to be divorced. The authors concluded that the cause of death was suicide by asphyxiation secondary to carbon dioxide intoxication and oxygen depletion in a room with a modified atmosphere. After describing the case history, this article presents the autopsy findings and the characteristics of the toxicological study. The discussion of issues related to this case focuses on mechanisms of toxicity, clinical signs of carbon dioxide intoxication, and other sources of carbon dioxide exposure. 2 figures and 10 references