CO Intoxication in the Car: Case Report.

Korean J Leg Med. 2001 Oct;25(2):43-47. Korean.

Department of Forensic medicine, Central District of National Institute of Scientific Investigation.

Department of Natural philosophy and chemistry, Central District of National Institute of Scientific Investigation.

A man and a woman were found dead in their parked car. The car was placed in a deep embankment. The windows were rolled up. Since it was cold winter the engine and heater was running while soil surrounded the rear of the automobile. The cause of death was 87%, 85% carbon-monoxide blood saturation respectively. The source of the CO was a defective exhaust system, The tail pipe outlet was blocked by the soil, and fumes could not escape adequately. Carbon monoxide fumes might entered the vehicle through the rusted floorboards, air conditioning, and through the dash board. It is important to know that unintened carbon monoxide deaths from motor vehicle exhaust can occur outdoors in older vehicles with defective exhaust system. We suggest the public need to be aware of the potential for this life threatening hazard to occur so that there can be proper prevention of fatalities.

Key Words : Carbon-monoxide intoxication