Journal article

Authors list: Veit, F.; Martz, W.; Birngruber, C. G.; Dettmeyer, R. B.

Publication year: 2018

Pages: E10-E14

Journal: Forensic Science International

Volume number: 288

ISSN: 0379-0738

eISSN: 1872-6283

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.033

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Brake cleaner liquid is commonly used for cleaning of engines and motor parts. The commercially available products usually contain mainly volatile organic compounds. As a consequence brake cleaner evaporates fast and almost completely from the cleaned surface. This case report presents a fatal accidental inhalation of brake cleaner liquid aerosols due to the attempted cleaning of a boat engine. A 16 year old boy was found lifeless in the engine compartment of a boat engine. In close proximity to the body, the police found cleanings wipes soaked with brake cleaner as well as a pump spray bottle filled with brake cleaner. Essentially the autopsy revealed a cerebral oedema with encephalomalacia, no coagulated blood as well as increased blood and tissue fluid content of the lung. Toxicological analysis revealed brake cleaner fluid in the lung, gastric content and heart blood. (c) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Veit, F., Martz, W., Birngruber, C. and Dettmeyer, R. (2018) Fatal accidental inhalation of brake cleaner aerosols, Forensic Science International, 288, pp. E10-E14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.033

APA Citation style: Veit, F., Martz, W., Birngruber, C., & Dettmeyer, R. (2018). Fatal accidental inhalation of brake cleaner aerosols. Forensic Science International. 288, E10-E14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.033