Detection of toluene, methanol and formic acid in the autopsy case of a solvent abuser

Soud Lek. 2019 Spring;64(2):20-22.

Abstract

A fatal case of abuse of solvent containing mixture of toluene and methanol is presented. Concentrations of toluene, methanol and formic acid in a femoral venous blood sample were 20.1 mg/L, 210 mg/L and 25.2 mg/L, respectively. From the autopsy findings and toxicological examination, we concluded that the cause of death was poisoning by toluene and methanol.

Keywords: abuse; fatal intoxication; formic acid; methanol; solvent; toluene.

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Formates* / analysis
  • Humans
  • Methanol* / analysis
  • Solvents
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Toluene* / analysis

Substances

  • Formates
  • Solvents
  • Toluene
  • Methanol