Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning to the occupant of motor car by exhaust gases emitted by stranded traffic vehicles and the motor car itself

Abstract

Incompletely burnt organic material is the major source of carbon monoxide in the environment. The hazardous nature of Carbon  monoxide (CO) is mainly due to it being odourless, colourless, non-irritating, and tasteless and its omnipresent nature. It is also termed  as a “silent killer” as it lacks the sensory warning properties. In the present case, a 30-year-old male was found dead in his car which  was stuck in a pool of water along with many other vehicles stranded in a narrow lane following heavy rains. Autopsy features of CO  poisoning were evident on examination. Chemical analysis report was positive for carboxyhemoglobin and alcohol. Fatal  concentrations of CO gas are known to occur inside the automobile cabins due to defective exhaust systems. Alcohol impairs the  reaction time and sensibility towards the signs of CO toxicity thereby reducing chances of survival. Awareness regarding dangers of  CO poisoning, regular maintenance of vehicle and use of CO detectors are some of the key measures to avoid such fatalities. This case  highlights the dangerous nature of carbon monoxide and fatal outcome of its exposure in an atmosphere with heavy concentration of  exhaust gases and an enclosed space like a car in addition to the incapacitating effect of alcohol.