JIST

Abstract

Chloroform is a halogenated hydrocarbon and is a colourless, volatile liquid with potent anaesthetic properties. Nowadays, the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic is abandoned, because it causes central nervous system depression, cardiac arrhythmias and delayed hepatotoxicity. However, it is used as an organic solvent in industry and in analytical laboratories. Most cases of chloroform toxicity are the result of inhalational exposures, and very few reports involve oral ingestion. A 35-year-old male microbiologist was working in a corn products manufacturing factory was found in anunresponsive state at his guest house which was found locked from inside. The police found a bottle of “EMPURA Chloroform 500ml” near the body and suspected consumption of about 300ml out of 500ml. Also recovered dried datura seed capsule/pods from the crime scene. Some colleagues of the deceased gave a history of chronic use of datura seeds by him. This case highlights the rare and incidental chloroform toxicity.