NCJ Number
146662
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 266-270
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A fatality due to the ingestion of photographic developer solution containing hydroquinone is described.
Abstract
The decedent was an alcoholic 46-year-old who had also been neurotic. His wife found him falling and vomiting and able to walk. He said he had ingested photographic developer solution with the intent to kill himself. He then was admitted to the hospital. Extensive gastric lavage and forced diuresis were performed immediately. Blood and urine samples showed hemolysis and myohemoglobinuria. The patient died 7 hours after admission, and an autopsy was performed 22 hours after death. Hydroquinone was extracted from autopsy materials and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Concentrations of hydroquinine in the urine, liver, and kidney were 3.4 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/g, and 0.2 mg/g, respectively; these concentrations were higher than those found in other tissues. 11 references, 1 table, and 2 figures