Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) poisoning: report of two cases and review of the literature

Forensic Sci Int. 1996 Oct 25;82(3):193-200. doi: 10.1016/s0379-0738(96)01995-0.

Abstract

Two autopsy cases of men who died while connecting a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipe are reported. Their blood concentrations of propane (the main content of LPG) were 0.12 and 3.40 mg/100 g, respectively. The cause of death after exposure of LPG has generally been considered to be asphyxia from hypoxia. The large differences in the blood propane levels found here and reported in the literature, however, suggest that direct toxic effects of propane poisoning may be the cause of death in some cases. Propane concentrations and the cause of death are reviewed and discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Petroleum / poisoning*
  • Propane / blood*

Substances

  • Petroleum
  • Propane