Death by Asphyxia

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1.

Asphyxia

general term applied to all forms of violent death which results primarily from the interference with the process of
respiration or the condition in which the supply of oxygen to the blood or the tissues or both has been reduced to
normal
result of interference with the process of respirration wherein you cant inhale the necessary oxygen
Condition in which the supply of oxygen to the blood
or to tissues or both has been reduced below normal
level

2.

Asphyxia can
be due to:

1. ingress of oxygen into the respiratory tract

2. lack of supply of oxygen to the blood or tissues
There may be enough oxygen coming in from the respiratory system but this oxygen cant be utilized because there is
something wrong with the blood or tissues

3.

Categories of
Asphyxial
Deaths

1. Neck compression
2. Chest compression
3. Postural or positional
4. Airway obstruction
5. Exhaustion or displacement of environmental oxygen

4.

Types of
Asphyxial
Death

1. Anoxic death
2. Anemic anoxic death
3. Stagnant anoxic death
4. Histotoxic anoxic death

5.

Anoxic death

failure of arterial blood to become normally saturated with oxygen

6.

Traumatic
asphyxia

occurs when a powerful compressive force is applied to the thoracic cavity. This is most often seen in motor vehicle
accidents, as well as industrial and farming accidents. However, it can present anytime a significant pressure is applied
to the thorax
is a medical emergency caused by an intense compression of the thoracic cavity, causing venous back-flow from the
right side of the heart into the veins of the neck and the brain

7.

Causes of
anoxic death

1. Atmosphere with low oxygen level (high altitude)

2. Obstruction of air passage
due to pressure from outside as in traumatic crush asphyxia or there is obstruction of the nose, trachea, and so on
3. Paralysis of respiratory center
Spinal anesthesia goes high: paralyze respiratory center
4. Mechanical interference with passage of air through respiratory tract due to:
- Closure of the external respiratory orifice, like in smothering, and overlaying
- Obstruction of the air passage, as in drowining, chicking with foreign body impact
- Respiratory abnormalities like pneumonia, asthma, emphysema and pulmonary edema
5. Shutting of blood from right to left side of the heart
without passing through the lungs (Patent foramen ovale)

8.

Anemic Anoxic Death

Decreased capacity of blood to carry oxygen

Due to:
1. Severe hemorrhage (decrease RBC)
2. Poisoning
3. Low hemoglobin level in the blood (chronic anemia)

9.

Stagnant Anoxic Death

Failure of circulation. Like in stoppage of heart action

Due to:
1. Heart failure
2. Shock
3. Arterial and venous obstruction due to embolism, vascular spasm or varicosities

10.

Histotoxic Anoxic Death

distribution is already in the tissues

this is due to failure of cellular oxidative process. There is enough oxygen, enough RBC to carry oxygen
but the tissues are destroyed and they can function
oxygen is delivered to tissues but cant be utilized

11.

Mechanism of Histotoxic
Anoxic Death

Cyanide poisoning
Alcohol overdose

12.

Phases of Asphyxial Death

1. Dyspneic Phase
2. Convulsive Phase
3. Apneic Phase

13.

Dyspneic phase

Mechanism: lack of oxygen and retention of CO2

Features:
-Rapid, deep breathing
- rise in pulse rate and blood pressure
- cyanosis (bluish face, hands and fingernails)

14.

Convulsive Phase

Mechanism:
stimulation of central nervous system by carbon
dioxide.
It is not just the lack of oxygen but the accumulation of carbon dioxide. If you do not respire, you cannot
eliminate carbon dioxide in the body.
Features:
- Staring eyes and Dilated pupils
- more intense cyanosis
- Tardieu spots in visceral organs
- May become unconscious

15.

Tardieu spots

reddish spots in different organs because of capillary permeability

are caused by the hemorrhage produced by the rupture of the capillaries on account of the increase
of intra-capillary pressure. It usually appears in places where the tissue is soft and the capillaries are
not well supported by the surroundings, as in visceral organs, skin, conjunctivae, and capsules of
glands
16.

Apneic Phase

- paralysis of respiratory center

- gasping, shallow breathing
- heart failure
Recovery at this stage is almost nil due to the
permanent damages inside the brain on account
of prolonged cerebral anoxia

17.

18.

Patients who are under

anesthesia whose anesthetic
goes higher than what is
necessary

first thing that you will notice, ga.gasp ang patient. There may or may not be convulsion, but after that,
kung indi ma-correct, naga-apnea ang patient and then they go into coma.

Classic Signs of Asphyxia

Most of these patients are cyanotic and most noticeable in children. Basta asphyxiated ang small child,
naga-purple dayon ang lips.

That is why it is dangerous and anesthesiologist tend to

prevent this to happen because this can go to
court.

1. Congestion of face
2. Facial edema
3. Cyanosis
4. Petechial hemorrhages inside the different organs, it
is Tardieu spots
19.

Classification of Asphyxia

1. Hanging
2. Strangulation
3. Suffocation
4. Drowning
5. Pressure on the chest
6. Irrespirable gases

20.

Hanging

Suspension of body by ligature around the neck.

The constricting force is the weight of the body.
It is not necessary that the whole body wil be left
suspended. The victim may be sitting or lying with the
face downward provided that the pressure is present
in front or in the side of the neck
compression of the neck loop, tightened under the action of gravity of the whole body or its parts
Hanging causes mechanical asphyxia and in most cases is done in a loop, which more or less tightly
covers the neck.

21.

Type of
Hanging:

Typical or Atypical Hanging:

as to the location of the ligature or the knot
Complete or Incomplete Hanging:
as to the amount of constricting force
Symmetrical orAsymmetrical:
as to symmetry

22.

Typical
Hanging

when the ligature runs from the midline above the thyroid cartilage symmetrically encircling the neck on both sides
to the occipital region
Typical: (Rope: anterior; Knot: posterior)
23.

Atypical
Hanging

when the ligature is tied or noosed and present on one side of the neck, in fornt or behind the ear, or on the brain
Atypical: (Rope: Left side; Knot: Right side)
24.

Complete
Hanging

when the body is completely suspended and the constricting force is the whole weight

25.

Partial hanging

when the body is partially suspended as

when the victim is sitting, kneeling, reclining,
prone or in any other positions.
26.

Symmetrical Hanging

when the knot or noose is at the midline of the body either at the occiput or just below the
chin

27.

Asymmetrical Hanging

when the knot or noose is not in the midline but on one side, with the head titled
to the side opposite the location of the noose or
knot

28.

Mechanism of Death by Hanging

Upon suspension of the body, the weight causes the

noose or band to tighten producing pressure around
the neck.
Pressure causes constriction of air passage, larynx is
pushed backwards and its opening is closed

29.

Larynx

mainly involved during hanging

30.

Cerebral anoxia

due to compression superior laryngeal nerve, carotid arteries and jugular veins by
pressure during hanging

31.

The form of the furrow that develops on

the neck
depends upon:

Type of ligature
Number of loops
Point of suspension

32.

Protrusion of the tongue

depends on how pressure is applied around the neck

33.

If pressure is above larynx + upward

direction

tongue protrudes from the mouth

34.

If pressure is below larynx

tongue is kept inside the buccal cavity

35.

Ligature in hanging

1. Material used
2. Noose
3. Mode of application of ligature
4. Position of the Knot
5. Course of Ligature around the neck

36.

Thinner ligature and the tougher the

material

the more pronounced will be the mark on the skin of the neck
Rope: commonly used since it is easily available and strong

37.

Noose

loop formed in a rope

38.

Single loop ligature

more tendency to have more pressure on account of the concentration of force at the weight as
compared
with two or more loops.

39.

Head is flexed

opposite the location of the knot

40.

Ligature above thyroid cartilage

hanging

41.

Ligature below the thyroid

cartilage

strangulation

42.

Groove or ligature mark

deepest opposite the location of the knot

43.

Knot underneath chin

Groove at the back of the neck is not deep

44.

Knot at the vertex

Ligature forms an inverted V shape

45.

Symptoms of Asphyxia by
Hanging

1. Gradual loss of senses specially the sight, feeling

2. Sensation of constriction of the neck
3. Loss of consciousness and muscular power
4. Numbness of legs and clonic convulsions
5. Ringing sensation inside the ear
6. Flash of light before the eyes
7. Red face, prominent eyes, feeling of heat in the head
8. Protrusion of tongue (one common finding)

46.

f the victim is timely rescued and

revived after artificial
respiration, he will suffer:

1. Whistling sensation inside the ear

2. Watering of the eyes
3. Difficulty of breathing and swallowing
4. Sensation of numbness in both legs
All of the above symptoms may last for 12 days after the rescue

47.

Amount of tension in the

ligature sufficient to occlude the
vital structures of the neck:

a. Jugular veins - 2kg

b. Carotid artery - 5 kg
c. Trachea - 15 kg
d. Vertebral artery 30 kg

48.

Causes of Death by Hanging

1. Asphyxia by blocking the air passage

The constricting force of the ligature causes compressive narrowing of laryngeal and tracheal
lumina, and forces up the root of the tongue against the posterior wall of the pharynx, and folds
the epiglottis over the entrance of the larynx to block the airway
2. Congestion of veins in the brain
The jugular veins are blocked by the compression of the ligature which results in stoppage of the
cerebral circulation and rapid rise of venous pressure in the head
3. Lack of arterial blood in the brain due to pressure on
the carotid arteries. Pooling of venous blood but arterial blood cannot go to the brain.
4. Syncope due to pressure on the vagus and carotid
sinus which leads to reflex irritation and paralysis of
the medullary autonomic centers
5. Injury to spinal cord/column

49.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE TIME REQUIRED FOR

DEATH
BY HANGING

1. Severity of constricting force

2. Point of application of ligature
3. Physical condition of subject
4. Rate of oxygen consumption

50.

1. Severity of constricting force

If the rope is very big it is difficult to die by hanging. Same if the rope s very
small/thin it may break
You have to choose a rope that is not very large nor very small

51.

Ligature below larynx

death is almost instantaneous

52.

Ligature above larynx

3-5 minutes

53.

Ligature on one side

delayed because of incomplete occlusion because the maximum pressure is

at the back of the neck

54.

Individual with heart ailment then hang himself

die faster

55.

Loss of sensibility

is due to the pressure of the ligature on

the blood vessels causing disturbance in the cerebral
circulation

56.

Persistence of Respiratory movement and heart

action after hanging

Respiratory movement: 1-2 minutes

Heart action: 15-30 minutes
Because of this, artifical respiration may succesfully revive the victim

57.

Delayed death after hanging

death delayed for several days

Due to:
1. Aspiration pneumonia
2. Infections
3. Edema of lungs
4. Edema of larynx
5. Hypoxic encephalopathy
6. Brain infarction
7. Brain abscess
8. Cerebral softening

58.

Treatment (Hanging)

1. Induce the Natural Acts of Respiration

a. Loosen ligature; remove obstacle to free air
b. Tongue must be pulled forward; body laid on
back to rest
c. Electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve
d. Administer respiratory stimulant e.g. ammonia
2. Stimulate the heart to renew action if it ceases to
beat
a. Apply heat at the precordium
b. Hypodermic injection of coramine, strychnine, other stimulants
c. Administer brandy
3. Maintain the natural body temperature
a. Cover the body with blanket
b. Place patient in warm room

59.

Post-mortem External Findings

60.

Post-mortem lividity

1. Neck stretched and elongated, inclined

2. Eyes maybe closed or partially open
3. Pale face with protruded tongue
4. Firmly clenched hands
5. Lips pale or livid
6. Frothy saliva from mouth
7. Erection or semi-erection of penis
8. Post-mortem lividity marked on the legs
9. Urination or defecation (relaxation of sphincters)

The caused by the cessation of cardiac activity and the resultant cessation of the body's blood
flow. Blood will settle in response to gravity to the lowest parts of the body, nearest the ground.
61.

Post-mortem Internal Findings

1. Engorged lungs
2. Dark blood in venous system
3. Distended right side of the heart
4. Congested vessels in the brain
5. Congested kidneys
6. Tardieu spots (Sub-pleural, sub-pericardial punctiform hemorrhages)

62.

Findings in the Neck

1. Flexed opposite sit of knot

2. Ligature mark (groove): deepest opposite the knot
3. Hard skin at site of ligature (congestion and
hemorrhage)
4. Ecchymosis (rupture of underlying vessels)
5. Fracture of upper cervical vertebra, hyoid bone or
tracheal rings

63.

Ligature mark

most important sign of death from hanging

Depends on:
1. Composition of ligature
2. Width and multiplicty of ligature
3. The weight of the body suspended and the degree of the suspension
4. Tightness of encircling ligature:
5. Length of time the body is suspended
6. Position of the knot
7. Slipping of ligature during suspension

64.

Composition of Ligature

The pattern and texture is produced upon the skin. If thick rope is used its texture is impressed
in the form of superficial abrasion

65.

Width and multiplicty of ligature

Narrow ligature: deep groove is made because much more force of ligature is directed inwards
Broad ligature: will produce only superficial mark

66.

The weight of the body suspended

and the degree of the suspension

Heavier body weight: more marked is ligature impressed

67.

Tightness of encircling
ligature:

The ligature impression is deeped opposite the point of suspension but it may tail off vary rapidly if
ligature consists of loop rather than a noose

68.

Length of time the body is

suspended

Longer the suspension, the deeper is the groove

69.

Position of the knot

The main force applied to the neck ligature is opposite to the point of suspension. If the point of
suspension is in occipital region, front of neck is involved
If in front, the depth of the groove is limited posteriorly by cervical spine

70.

Slipping of ligature during

suspension

71.

Ante-mortem Hanging

There is tendency for the ligature to move upwards, this being limited by the jaws. The upward
movement may produce double impression of ligature

1. Redness or ecchymosis at the site of ligature

2. Ecchymosis of the pharynx and epiglottis
3. Line of redness or rupture of the intima of the carotid artery
4. Sub-pleural, subepicardial punctiform hemorrhages
72.

Post-mortem hanging

73.

Homicidal Hanging

1. State of surroundings (disorder)

2. Signs of struggle
3. Bodily injuries in the body
4. Defense wound in the body

74.

Suicidal Hanging

1. Tools for suicide

2. Position of the body
3. Absence of signs of struggle
4. History of suicidal attempts
5. Suicide note
6. Materials used
7. No disturbances in place

75.

Features of Hanging

Hyoid bone frequently injured

Inverted V shape mark with apex at the site of knot
Ligature at the level of hyoid bone
Groove deepest opposite the knot
Vertebral injury frequent

76.

Features of Strangulation

Hyoid bone frequently spared

Horizontal mark and knot on same horizontal plane
Ligature is below the larynx
Groove is uniform in depth
Vertebral injury not observed

77.

Strangulation

Compression of the neck by means of the hands or

ligature which is tightened by a force other than the
weight of the body.
Strangulation with hands can be more damaging than
with use of ligature.

78.

Strangulation by ligature

Soft material applied smoothly around the neck may

not produce any visible mark.
Hard rough ligature may produce extensive abrasion
and contusion

79.

Causes of Death (Strangulation by Ligature)

1. Occlusion of windpipe
2. Coma due to arrest of cerebral circulation
3. Shock or syncope
4. Paralysis of respiratory center

80.

Post-mortem findings in Strangulation by

Ligature

1. Livid, swollen face, protruded tongue

2. Eyes open, prominent, congested, pupils dilated
3. Bloody froth, Tardieu's spots
4. Venous congestion of lungs, brain and visceral organs
5. Right side of heart filled with dark blood
6. Mark in the neck, fracture of larynx and trachea
7. Laceration of carotid and jugular vessels
The investigator must differentiate if death is due to
hanging or strangulation because more or less postmortem findings are the
same

81.

External Examination (Strangulation by Ligature)

1. Face is livid and swollen

2. Eyes are wide open, prominent, congested and
pupils are dilated
3. Tongue swollen, dark colored and protruded
4. Bloody frothy may escape from the mouth and
nostrils
5. Tardieu's Spots are found beneath the
conjunctivae, face, neck, chest and lungs

82.

Internal Examination (Strangulation by Ligature)

1. Intensive venous congestion of both lungs with

numerous petechial hemorrhages
2. Blood stained froth is found in big bronchi
3. Right side of the heart is filled with dark fluid blood
4. Congestion of the brain
5. Congestion of visceral organs

83.

Localized Lesion in the

Neck

1. Mark of violence on the neck is in the form of

ligature mark, abrasion, or ecchymosis
2. Fracture of the larynx or tracheal rings
3. Laceration of the tunica intima of the carotid and
jugular vessels

84.

Throttling (Manual
Strangulation)

with the use of hands

This is a form of asphyxial death whereby the
constricting force applied in the neck is the hand.

85.

Methods of Throttling

Neck grasped in front with thumb exerting pressure

on one side and the other fingers on the other side
Using both hands, thumbs pressing larynx back,
fingers pressing the side and back
Fingers of both hands grasp the throat in front,
thumbs press the side and back

86.

Suicidal throttling

is not possible because the pressure of

the person's own hand must be maintained for sometime but when unconsciousness begins, the hands are
relaxed and the victim recovers

87.

Accidental throttling

may occur but the victim never died of asphyxia but of some other causes. A sudden application of manual
pressure in the neck during the moments of
excitement or passion may cause cardiac inhibition or cerebral apoplexy

88.

Homicidal manual
strangulation

is the most common. It is a method of choice in infanticide. In most cases there are evident signs of struggle.

89.

Palmar strangulation

The palm of the hand of the offender is pressed in

front of the neck without employing the fingers. The
pressure must be sufficient to occlude the lumen of
the windpipe

90.

Garroting

A ligature, a metal collar or a bowstring is placed around the neck and tightened at the back.
The subject may be placed with the back to the post and a spike may be placed in the post to force into the
nape of the neck when constricting band is tightened.
Garroting is a mode of judicial execution during the 19th century and it is still being practiced in Spain and
Turkey

91.

Mugging (strangle-hold)

This is a form of strangulation with the assailant standing at the back and the forearm is applied in front of
the neck.
The pressure on the neck is brought
about by the pressure of the flexed elbow.
Mugging is may be the cause of death in wrestling/ The knee may also be used and it will produce the same
effect as that of elbow. The foot or knee be applied on the victim's neck.
92.

Compression with a
stick

use a stick put it in the neck and both sides you

tighten
The victim may be forced to place his back behind a
post. The assailant with a piece of stick placed in front
of the neck pulls with two hands passing on both sides
of the post backwards with sufficient strength to
occlude the trachea.

93.

Mechanism of Death due

to strangulation

1. Blockage of air passage leading to asphyxia

2. Compression of blood vessels to the brain
3. Trauma to the vagus, superior laryngeal or
hypoglossal nerves

94.

POST-MORTEM
FINDINGS in
Strangulation

1. Cyanosis
2. Right side of heart distended with blood
3. Interstitial emphysema
4. Marks of fingers/nails in neck
5. Interstitial hemorrhages in muscles
6. Petechial hemorrhages

95.

Suffocation

Occlusion of air openings using hands or handkerchief to close the air opening

96.

Smothering

closure of external respiratory orifices like the mouth and nostrils by the use of hand or other materials
(gagging) or by plastic bags
This is a form of asphyxial death caused by the closing of the external respiratory orifices, either by the use
of the hand or some other means.
The nostrils and mouth may be blocked by the introduction of foreign substances, like mud, paper, cloth,
etc.
If the buccal and nasal orifices are occluded by the hand, there may be abrasion and contusion of the nose
and mouth. The findings in death by smothering will be that of asphyxia.

97.

Suicidal smothering

by means of his own hand is not possible. The moment the victim becomes unconscious, the
instinctive release of the pressure will save him

98.

Accidental smothering

may occur when a person is under the influence of alcohol, epilepsy or in any other helpless state.
Accidental smothering is common among children.

99.

Overlaying

is the most common accidental smothering in children

is the act of smothering a child to death by rolling over them in slee

100.

Accidental smothering of
epileptic

a person may suffer from epileptic or epileptiform fit and accidentally bury his face on soft object
like pillow,
bedding or sand and die.
The same is true with pregnant women who may suffer from eclamptic fit.

101.

Gagging

The application of materials, usuallyhandkerchief; linen or other clothing matters to prevent air to
have access through the mouth or nostrils.

102.

CHOKING

impaction of foreign body in air passage

Usually accidental

103.

Cafe Coronary

large mass of food lodged in the throat

That's why always chew well the food that you eat
coz' it might lodge in your larynx.
a restaurant patron apparently has a sudden heart attack in the middle of his dinner and dies
without much untoward symptoms.
Autopsy may reveal a large mass of food lodged in
his throat and the cause of death is in fact asphyxia
by choking. This usually happens when the person
has a high blood alcohol level which apparently
anesthetized his gag reflex. It is an accidental
rather than a natural death.

104.

The most common foreign

bodies impacted are:

1. Vomitus (drunk)
2. Regurgitation of food from the stomach
3. Bolus of food
4. Detached membrane in diphtheria
5. False set of teeth
6. Blood in tonsillectomy operation
7. Respiratory hemorrhage as in tuberculosis

105.

Phases of Drowning

1. Respiration de surprise
2. Phase of resistance - short period of apnea
3. Dyspneic phase - forceful respiratory movement
4. Second apneic phase
5. Terminal respiration
* death occurs in 2-5 minute

106.

Respiration de surprise

- one deep inspiration when mouth and nostrils are covered with fluid
Example if you don't know how to swim and then you
get down to water, what is your first reaction? To go
up and do a 1 deep inspiration. Without knowing na
pag inspire mo may upod na nga water so mas lalo
ma aggravate.

107.

Causes of Death
(Drowning)

1. Asphyxia (water interfering with exchange of gases)

2. Cardiac inhibition due to vagus stimulation
3. Spasm of larynx
4. Striking solid hard objects
5. Cramps
6. Shock
7. Medical conditions
pwede ma patay ka because of cardiac arrest not
necessarily na due to drowning. It's the medical
condition that killed them.

108.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT
IN DROWNING

Remove the bodily clothings especially the tight ones

and wrap the body with blanket.
Place the face down and perform artficial respiraton,
using any of the following methods:
1. Schaefer's Method
2. Sylvester Method

109.

Schaefer's Method

with the face down, the patient must be in a prone position. The operator kneels astride the body and
exerts pressure on the lower ribs at the rate of 12 to 15 minutes
110.

Sylvester Method

With the patient lying on his back and

the operator astriding over the body, swinging the arms forward up and then pressing the chest wall.
This is repeated every 3 to 5 seconds.
111.

POST-MORTEM FINDING
(External)

1. Pale, foreign bodies clinging

2. Skin puckered (gooseflesh)
3. Retracted penis and scrotum because of the cold
4. Washerwoman's hand and feet
5. Dilated pupils, injected conjuctivae
6. Tongue protruding
7. Lividity in the head, neck and chest
8. Clenched fist with weeds, stones, sand etc
9. Injuries by hitting hard objects

112.

POSTMORTEM
FINDING
(Internal)

1. Emphysema aquosum - mucus and air

2. Edema aquosum - water
3. Champignon docume - foam
4. Markedly congested tracheo-bronchial lining
5. Blood-stained fluid in chest cavity
6. Heart maybe empty or filled with blood. Right
distended, left empty

113.

Gettler's
Test

To determine if death occurred in fresh or salt water.

Determine chloride content of right and left ventricle.
Freshwater: Right> Left Ventricle (Chloride content)
Salt water: Left > Right Ventricle (Chloride content)
Why do they have to do this?
There are some victims
na gin drown first sa pail of water (that is of course
fresh water) and then i-throw sa sea. To make it
appear nga na drown sa sea. But before gin throw sa
sea, dead na ang victim. So this test will help them
know that the victim was drowned in fresh water.

114.

Basis of
Gettler's
Test

Normally, the chloride contents of the blood is the same in both sides of the heart. But when water enters the alveoli it
goes with the circulation and is diffused with the blood. So that if drowning took place in salty water pool the chloride
content in the right side of the heart will be less as compared with the left, and the reverse is true when the victims was
drowned in
fresh water

115.

Fallacies of
Gettler's
Test

1. The victim might have been drowned in a salty water pool where the chloride content of the water is quantitatively
similar as that of the blood.
2. Reduction of blood chloride after death is a common postmortem phenomena.
3. Blood chloride estimation obtained twelve or more hours after death from drowning in fresh water are of little
diagnostic value on account of the diffusion of the fluid on both chambers of the heart.

116.

Suicidal
Drowning

Heavy articles or weights in pocket

Suicidal notes
Suicidal tendencies
Strong reason to commit suicide

117.

Homicidal
Drowning

Evidence of struggle
Motives
Ligature on hands and feet
Other physical injuries b/c of struggle
Testimony of witnesses

118.

Accidental
Drowning

Absence of mark of violence

Condition and situation of the victim immediately
before death which may make on to believe that it is
accidental
Exclusion of suicidal and homicidal nature
Testimonies of witnesses

119.

Irrespirable
gases

Carbon monoxidde
Carbon Dioxide
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen Cyanide
Sulfur Diozide
War gases

120.

War gases

Not only used during war but also to disperse mobs,

riots etc
1. Tear gas
2. Vesicant or blistering gas
3. Lung irritants
4. Sternuator
5. Paralysants
6. Blood poisons

121.

Tear gas

(most common; not that dangerous; but can

cause harm at high concentrations)
also called "lacrimator"
exposure will cause eye irritation with copious
flow of tears, eyelids spasm, conjunctivae
congestion and temporary blindness

122.

Effects of tear gas

at high concentration -> irritation to the resp

passages and lungs-> burning sensation in the throat and chest discomfort
Long time exposure -> N/V, bronchitis, skin
blisters

123.

Prevention and Treatment for Tear

gas exposure

Prevention: Gas mask

Tx: wash affected eyes with boric acid sol'n, ans
sodium bicarb in other affected areas

124.

Vesicant or blistering gas

Contact with skin causes bleb or blisters

Mustard Gas (Dichlorodiethyl Sulfide)
Lewisite (Chlorovinyl-dichlorarsine)

125.

Mustard Gas

- heavy, oily liquid, mustard-like or garliky odor

- gives vapor at room temp
- readily penetrates clothings, leather, wood or brick
- contact with liquid or vapor causes profuse lacrimation and nasal secretion, laryngitis,
nausea, vomiting and gastric pain
- enters deeply into clothings and skin
causing intense itching, redness, vesication
and ulceration

126.

Lewisite (Chlorovinyl-dichlorarsine)

- heavy liquid
- insoluble in water but rapidly dissolves in
benzene, oil and other organic solvents
- skin contact causes erythema, vesicle with
cloudy fluid containing arsenic and
leukocytes
- acts rapidly than mustard gas and
produces more discomfort

127.

Lung irritants

Causes dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing,

varying degree of conjunctival irritation, vomiting,
coma, and death
Chlorine
Phosgine
Chloropicrin
Diphosgene

128.

Chlorine

- causes conjunctivae irritation, laryngeal spasm, irritative cough, dyspnea, chest pain, cyanosis,
asphyxia weak pulse, collapse
- death due to laryngeal spasm
- autopsy --> massive lung edema (may cause pulmonary circulation obstruction) with scattered
area of pneumonic process; mucous membrane of the air passage may show catarrhal
inflammation

129.

Phosgine

- 10x more toxic than chlorine

- delayed in action due to poor solubility

130.

Chloropicrin

- oily liquid, smells like chlorine

- about 4x more toxic than chlorine

131.

Diphosgene

- heavier than phosgene

- an intense lacrimator

132.

Sternuator

(Nasal Irritants or Vomiting Gases)

can be inhaled or ingested
can cause coryza, nausea, malaise, headache,
vomting, salivation, chest pain, and prostration

133.

Paralysants (Nerve Gas)

cause inactivation of cholinesterase and

consequent increase of acetylcholine causing
paralysis at the myoneural junction
manner of action is similar to organophosphates
and carbamates insecticides

134.

Blood poisons

a. Hydrocyanic Acid
- prevents the tissue from utilixing the oxygen
in the blood
b. Hydrogen Sulfide
- in pure form or at a high cconcentration->
causes paralysis of the respiratory center,
giddines, nausea, abdominal pain and
irregular heart action
c. Carbon Monoxide
- combined with the Hb of RBCs to for
carboxyhemoglobin and reduces the carrying
capacity of the blood

135.

Essential Characteristics of a
Substance to be Considered as
War Gas

1. Must be heavier than air as to not concentrate to higher level of the atmosphere
2. Spreads rapidly
3. Produces its effect at low concentrations
4. May be a true gas, volatalized liquid or finely divided solid
5. Can be largley produced at a relatively cheap price
6. Must be stable or not easily made nontoxic by rapid
chemical rxn
7. Can be stored for an ample amount of time; must not react freely with its container