Korean J Leg Med.  2001 May;25(1):40-43.

Asphyxia due to Oxygen Deficiency in the Cargo-hold Shipping Wood

• Kim DH
• Kim KK
• Jang TJ
• Kim JR
• Lee G
• Kim SK
• Lim HS

Abstract

Oxygen deficiency has been frequent in a closed space. Wood consumes oxygen and discharges carbon dioxide instead of photosynthesis in closed space without light, so do some microorganisms on the surface. We experienced a case that a healthy insect-proofer fell down and died of asphyxia on stair-board at 7 m below the hatch of the cargo-hold shipping wood. Analysis of gases in cargo-hold revealed O2; 12.3%, CO; 105 ppm, CH4; 2.7%, and H2S; 1.9% at 1 m below the hatch, and then O2; 6.1%, CO; 220 ppm, CH4; 2.9%, and H2S; 2.3 ppm at 2.5 m below the hatch. Autopsy findings were unremarkable. We justiced the cause of death asphyxia due to oxygen deficiency. As seen in this case, the serious oxygen deficiency was accounted for oxygen consumption by wood and microorganisms.

Keyword

Asphyxia; Oxygen Deficiency; Carbon Dioxide; Cargo-Hold; Wood

MeSH Terms

Anoxia*
Asphyxia*
Autopsy
Carbon Dioxide
Cause of Death
Gases
Oxygen Consumption
Oxygen*
Photosynthesis
Ships*
Wood*
Carbon Dioxide
Gases
Oxygen