Fatal Acute Poisoning by Intradermal Absorption of Phenol

Abstract

The history, post-mortem findings, and the qualitative chemical screening at autopsy are described in a case of acute intradermal phenol poisoning. The forensic estimate of phenol in the blood is described. A discussion of the immediate and later treatment of such a case is given.

Reading through the literature on acute phenol poisoning, little has been written on the subject of intradermal absorption of phenol. Standard forensic reference books (Camps, 1968; Simpson, 1966) have drawn attention to this mode of poisoning with reference to past and present literature. Recently a paper on the toxicity of phenol absorption in animals and an effective first-aid measure in treatment have been published (British Chemical Industries Safety Council of Chemical Industries Association, 1970; Conning and Hayes, 1970).

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References

British Chemical Industries Safety Council of Chemical Industries Association (1970), First Aid Treatment of Phenol Splashes on the Skin—A New Approach. London: Chemical Industries Association.

Camps

F. E.

(ed.) (1968), Gradwohl's Legal Medicine, and ed., p. 609. Bristol: Wright.

Conning

D. M.

Hayes

M.J.

(1970), Br. J. ind. Med., 27, 155.

Cumming

(1961), The Medical Management of Acute Poisoning, p. 107. London: Cassell.

Matthew

Lawson

A. A.

(1970), Treatment of Common Acute Poisonings, 2nd ed., p. 128. Edinburgh: E. & S. Livingstone.

Simpson

K. C.

(ed.) (1966), Taylor's Principles and Practice of Medical Jurisprudence, Vol. II. 12th ed., p. 250. London: J. & A. Churchill.