Biomaterial Database

Asphyxial suicide by propane inhalation and plastic bag suffocation. 1994

S P Avis, and J T Archibald

Department of Pathology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.

A 26-year-old male committed suicide by inducing asphyxia using a combination of plastic bag suffocation and propane-gas inhalation. This method has been reported in the literature, but it remains unusual. Autopsy findings were consistent with a hypoxic event, and blood, brain, and lung tissue tested positive for propane by gas chromatography. Propane, while possessing some narcotic properties, causes death primarily by displacing oxygen in the atmosphere with resultant asphyxia.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008168	Lung	Either of the pair of organs occupying the cavity of the thorax that effect the aeration of the blood.	Lungs
D008297	Male		Males
D011407	Propane	A three carbon alkane with the formula H3CCH2CH3.
D001923	Brain Chemistry	Changes in the amounts of various chemicals (neurotransmitters, receptors, enzymes, and other metabolites) specific to the area of the central nervous system contained within the head. These are monitored over time, during sensory stimulation, or under different disease states.	Chemistry, Brain,Brain Chemistries,Chemistries, Brain
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D001237	Asphyxia	A pathological condition caused by lack of oxygen, manifested in impending or actual cessation of life.	Suffocation,Asphyxias,Suffocations
D013405	Suicide	The act of killing oneself.	Suicides