Multiple homicides as a result of chloroform poisoning: case report and experimental study

Riße, M; Erdmann, Freidoon; Schütz, H.; Weiler, G

doi:10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00589-8

Cited by 21 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…Suicide attempts comprise seven cases, whereas 4 of all 29 cases were accidental intoxications and 2 were related to sexual assault. This statistic emphasize that relatively easy access to chloroform enables using it in crime acts, even as crucial as the one described by Riβe et al [16] where a single father used chloroform in his children's voluntary manslaughter. Even though chloroform is not a common substance used nowadays, this back in the day used poison still can serve as a life threatening xenobiotic, together with other substances considered as old poisons, as there are reported cases related to for example, cyanide [13], arsenic [26], or sodium azide [27] poisoning.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 53%

“…If it is possible, samples should be collected into tubes containing sodium fluoride, as in our study it prolonged the chloroform loss from the matrix. Riβe et al [16] also performed a stability study which indicated that the best way to store biological samples containing chloroform is under −20°C in glass tubes, as in polyethylene ones chloroform loss was more noticeable. Byard et al [19] also observed instability of chloroform.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The dark side of social media: Two deaths related with chloroform intoxication

Tusiewicz¹,

Wachełko²,

Zawadzki

et al. 2022

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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A suicide pact is an agreement between people to commit suicide together, which usually takes place at the same time, in the same place, by using the same method. Social media serve as a way of communication between people. Thus, they use such platforms to find potential suicide pact partners. Chloroform, although being regarded to as a slightly forgotten poison, is still linked to homicide and suicide cases. Death due to an acute chloroform ingestion may be a result of central nervous system depression.In this paper, we present application of headspace gas chromatographic method using a dual column/dual flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID/FID) for the determination of chloroform in two fatal intoxication cases, as well as chloroform stability study.Analysis of biological samples revealed chloroform concentrations of 135.8, 16.1, 8.1, and 37.1 µg/ml in blood, urine, vitreous humor, and bile, respectively. Kidney, liver, and muscle specimens contained 119.5, 99.6, and 28.4 µg/g of chloroform, respectively.The results of stability studies indicate the highest decrease of chloroform in room temperature, so it is advised to store samples in a freezer. The addition of sodium fluoride is recommended as in blood samples collected to the test tubes without any preservative agent, the detection of chloroform after 91 days is almost impossible. It is important to emphasize that even old poisons can cause a lot of concerns today, as here described cases are linked to chloroform intoxication, as well as with possible danger which social media bring about nowadays.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 53%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The dark side of social media: Two deaths related with chloroform intoxication

Tusiewicz¹,

Wachełko²,

Zawadzki

et al. 2022

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…In the case of acute chloroform poisoning, sings as edematous swelling of the lips, focal mummifications of the facial skin and the chloroform-soaked soft covering of the airways could be very useful in determination of the cause of death [12]. In chronic poisoning, there are no previous nor indicative signs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intentional fatal chloroform intoxications usually concern selfpoisoning acts, while homicides by chloroform are very rare. Accidental poisoning more frequently occurs in the setting of occupational exposure, but may also be encountered in a domestic environment [11,12]. Chronic inhalation of chloroform leads to liver damage, and causes central nervous system depression as well [3,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fatal consequences caused by prolonged chloroform inhalation in a child

et al. 2019

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Introduction Chloroform intoxication as a result of inhalation is usually associated with occupational exposure. Fatal cases of accidental and intentional chloroform poisoning are extremely rare. The aim of this work was to report a case with fatal consequences caused by prolonged chloroform inhalation in a child. Case outline We report a case of a three-month-old child found dead by its mother in their home. Investigation provided the data about two refrigerators in the house, which were not entirely functional, and were filled with a refrigerant based on chloroform, and about a recent house spraying with a pesticide also based on chloroform. Forensic autopsy was performed the following day. Autopsy established the existence of malnutrition, dehydration, brain and lungs edema, the presence of very scarce contents in the digestive tract, and the enlargement of the abdominal lymph nodes. The initial stage of liver degeneration was noted on histopathological examination. Chemical-toxicological analysis of organ tissue samples (brain, lungs, spleen, liver with gall bladder, kidney and bladder, stomach, small and large intestine) performed using the techniques of headspace gas chromatography with mass detector, confirmed chloroform poisoning. Conclusion The emaciation underlying the dysfunction of organ systems provided a grim frame for a child to succumb to chloroform toxicity. The proper use and maintenance of domestic appliances, and careful application of chemical agents indoors is an imperative, especially in the vicinity of children. Low levels of chloroform inhaled from the room air may have fatal consequences in a susceptible individual.

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“…Riße et al [34] reported total loss of chloroform from blood stored at room temperature in polyethylene as well as in glass vessels over 32 days (4 8C, 60% loss in polyethylene vessels and 40% loss in glass vessels; À20 8C, 40% loss in both types of vessel). They concluded that most chloroform was lost as a result of opening of the vessels.…”

Section: Analytical Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%