Фото: sudexpert.gov.by
A 49-year-old resident of Babruisk with a visual impairment died in hospital after being poisoned by a technical liquid containing methanol and acetone.
As reported by the State Forensic Examination Committee, the man was found unconscious at home. A bottle of solvent was lying nearby. He was taken to hospital in serious condition, where doctors diagnosed acute oral poisoning with a chemical substance. Acetone and methanol were detected in his blood tests.
Despite treatment, the man died five weeks later. A forensic medical examination established that the poisoning was caused by a technical liquid containing methanol and acetone. The poisoning was accompanied by damage to the gastrointestinal tract, multiple organ failure and inflammatory processes in the respiratory system. As a result, the man developed respiratory distress syndrome, in which the lungs are unable to adequately perform gas exchange, which became the immediate cause of death.
Forensic chemists also examined the contents of a bottle labeled “Solvent 646” found in the deceased man’s home. The liquid contained methanol, benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene, which are components of the solvent.
An Investigative Committee inquiry established that the man’s death was not criminal in nature. He had accidentally consumed the dangerous technical liquid.
Forensic experts reminded people that technical liquids should be stored separately from food and beverages, not transferred into bottles previously used for water or other drinks, and labeled with warning signs.