Sudden death caused by 1,1-difluoroethane inhalation.

Abstract

A 20-year-old man was found dead on the floor next to a computer, with a nearly full can of "CRC Duster" dust remover located next to the deceased on the floor, and an empty can of the same product on the computer desk. Toxicologic evaluation using either gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) method identified the active ingredient 1,1-difluoroethane (Freon 152a) in all tissues analyzed. Tissue distribution studies revealed highest concentration in central blood, lung, and liver. It is believed that the 1,1-difluoroethane inhalation was the cause of death.

• Authors: Zhenggang Xiong, Joseph Avella, Charles V Wetli
• Journal: Journal of forensic sciences (J Forensic Sci) Vol. 49 Issue 3 Pg. 627-9 (May 2004) ISSN: 0022-1198 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15171188 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
• Solvents
• 1,1-difluoroethane

Topics

• Adult
• Death, Sudden (etiology)
• Flame Ionization
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
• Household Products (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated (adverse effects, analysis, pharmacokinetics)
• Inhalation
• Liver (chemistry)
• Lung (chemistry)
• Male
• Solvents (adverse effects, analysis, pharmacokinetics)
• Tissue Distribution