Unexpected death due to chloramine toxicity in a woman with a brain tumor

Forensic Sci Int. 2001 Dec 27;124(2-3):137-9. doi: 10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00592-8.

Abstract

It has been known for years that mixing household cleaning products can be hazardous. Nonetheless, from time to time, episodes of pneumonitis from such mixing occur. Although symptoms range from minor upper respiratory irritation to adult respiratory distress syndrome, deaths are very rare. We present the case of a woman with an undiagnosed oligodendroglioma who mixed bleach and ammonia (resulting in the formation of chloramine gas), and died while cleaning her bathroom. To our knowledge, this is the first such death reported from chloramine gas intoxication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ammonia
  • Chloramines / poisoning*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Humans
  • Oligodendroglioma / pathology
  • Sodium Hypochlorite

Substances

  • Chloramines
  • Drug Combinations
  • Ammonia
  • Sodium Hypochlorite
  • chloramine