Blending of rodenticide and battery acid \u2013 a rare and fatal suicide mix

Nisreen Abdul Rahman,Bhawana Badhe,Vinod Ashok Chaudhari,Siddhartha Das,Suresh Nandagopal

doi:10.1186/s41935-017-0002-1

Abstract

BackgroundSelf-poisoning usually occurs by the ingestion of a single lethal compound and majority of the poisoning cases in our country are due to the pesticides. Suicide by ingestion of more than one poisonous substance is rare except alcohol and multiple drugs. To the best of our knowledge, suicidal ingestion of a mixture of rodenticide and battery acid has not been reported before in medical literature.Case presentationHere we are discussing a case of simultaneous ingestion of two poisonous substances, i.e., aluminium phosphide and battery acid. In general, an acid is mainly locally acting while metal phosphide is a systemic poison. Features suggestive of both these poisonous substances were noticed on clinical, autopsy and histopathological examination and supported by a positive chemical analysis report of viscera. Moreover, we analysed the possible reactions which may occur between these two compounds and their by-products outside and inside our body.ConclusionIn cases where, combination of poisons is suspected a proper history, meticulous autopsy and ancillary investigation including histopathogy and analytical toxicology are required to conclude the cause of death and mechanism of poisoning.

Highlights

Self-poisoning usually occurs by the ingestion of a single lethal compound and majority of the poisoning cases in our country are due to the pesticides
In cases where, combination of poisons is suspected a proper history, meticulous autopsy and ancillary investigation including histopathogy and analytical toxicology are required to conclude the cause of death and mechanism of poisoning
As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics, about 1,31,666 people lost their lives by committing suicide during the year 2014 in India

Summary

Conclusion

The autopsy findings due to mixing up of these two substances has not been reported in medical literature, and the typical post-mortem appearance of these individual compounds may change because of the chemical reactions occurring inside and outside the body. As far as the forensic scientists are concerned, accurate history and relevant findings should be perused to them for their proper guidance

Background

Findings

Discussion