ABSTRACT

Chemical asphyxia first comes to mind at the mention of carbon monoxide poisoning, are common in developed and developing countries. It's becoming more important since it is very common in our country and it is a social and avoidable health problem.

O u r s t u d y c o n s i s t s o f a l l d e a t h s d u e t o carbonmonoxide poisoning and autopsied by Elazig Fırat University Hospital, Department of Forensic Medicine between 2006 and 2012. Records of a total of 1964 criminal cases who were autopsied between these years were examined and 29 cases who died due to CO poisoning were evaluated for age, sex, the month of the event occurred, origin, death time, CO source and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) values. Death occurred 29 criminal cases were constituting 1.47% of 1964 criminal cases who were autopsied within 7 years in Elazig. Mean age of the cases was 31.5±19.5 years, and 19 (65.5%) were men. Origin in 3.4% of all cases was suicide. 31% of deaths occurred in february, 75.9% at home and 79.3% at the moment of the event. CO source was found to be charcoal in 41.4% of cases. Mean COHb level detected in cases was 49.05 ±16.32%.

Although carbonmonoxide poisonings generally occur as a result of avoidable accidents, it is still a social health problem. We suggest that inspections should be increased, warming and heating devices, chimneys, fuels used and ventilation systems should be in accordance with the standards and people should be informed about the weather forecast through media organs in order to avoid these poisonings.

Keywords: Carbonmonoxide, poisoning, autopsy.