In the hut of a garden plot a male body of at first unknown identity was found. Although a natural death was assumed, autopsy was ordered by the court because of the unclear identity. On autopsy bright red post-mortem lividity was found; an assay of the blood showed 55% CO-Hb. A second inspection of the place, where the body was found, revealed that a garden grill, which had originally stood near the entrance of the hut, had been carried out into the garden. To reconstruct the case, measurements of the carbon monoxide concentration in the air of the room were carried through after starting the charcoal grill. The results showed that within 60 min. the carbon monoxide content rose to 0.21% by volume and thus clearly exceeded the limit of 0.1% by volume considered as lethal.
Accidents Carbon Monoxide Poisoning