Korean J Leg Med.
2022 Nov;46(4):138-140. 10.7580/kjlm.2022.46.4.138.
Fatal Nitrite Intoxication by Pickling Salt: Four Autopsy Cases
- Affiliations
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- 1Forensic Medicine Division, National Forensic Service Seoul Institute, Seoul, Korea
- 2Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Division, National Forensic Service Seoul Institute, Seoul, Korea
- KMID: 2536628
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2022.46.4.138
Abstract
- Pickling salt, also known as curing salt, is a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium nitrite, which is used for color agent and a means to facilitate food preservation. Recently, online purchase of pure sodium nitrite has been restricted, and pickling salts have been used as replacements in cases of suicidal nitrite intoxication. From November 2020 to December 2021, there were four autopsy cases of nitrite poisoning caused by pickling salt, and 10 autopsy cases of nitrite poisoning by pure sodium nitrite. Due to the low nitrite concentration in pickling salts, serum nitrite and nitrate concentration, and methemoglobin levels were relatively low in pickling salts cases. Especially, low methemoglobin levels may cause confusion in the postmortem diagnosis of fatal nitrite intoxication, so caution is required.
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