Abstract
ABSTRACTAcute fatal poisoning due to the inhalation of toxic gas frequently occurs in China. Volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) are toxic to humans. In fatal poisoning investigations, such as those in industrial settings, a number of VSCs, including methanethiol (MT), dimethyl sulphide (DMS), dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) and dimethyl trisulphide (DMTS), can coexist. To date, there is limited data regarding these compounds in post-mortem cases. In the present study, we report toxicological findings in a fatal accident case with two victims. Headspace gas chromatography/flame ionization detector with two columns of different polarities was utilized to screen MT, DMS, DMDS and DMTS in blood. The limits of detection in both methods were 0.05 mg/mL. No sulphur compounds were detected in the blood samples of the two victims. DMS and DMDS were detected in the lungs at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.3 mg/g and 2.2 and 4.1 mg/g, respectively. DMDS liver concentrations were 2.5 and 6.5 mg/g. In addition to hydrogen sulphide, screening for additional VSCs could help establish the cause of death.
Highlights
Acute fatal poisoning due to the inhalation of toxic gas frequently occurs in China [1,2]
Method validation was only performed for dimethyl sulphide (DMS), dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) and dimethyl trisulphide (DMTS)
The method we developed using two columns meets the requirements for the determination of DMS, DMDS and DMTS in postmortem cases
Summary
Acute fatal poisoning due to the inhalation of toxic gas frequently occurs in China [1,2]. More than one victim is typically involved [3,4]. In most of these cases, poisoning resulted from accidents in culverts, inspection wells, sewer systems, chemical factories, etc. In addition to hydrogen sulphide (H2S), these gases may contain methanethiol (methylmercaptan, CH3SH, MT), dimethyl sulphide (CH3SCH3, DMS), dimethyl disulphide (CH3SSCH3, DMDS) and/or dimethyl trisulphide (DMTS) [6]. These compounds have a bad reputation, mainly because of their toxicity and bad odour. MT and DMS smell similar to rotten cabbage, while DMDS smells like garlic [6]
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