Fatalities by charcoal grills

The number of deaths from carbon monoxide intoxication by burning barbecue charcoal has increased in recent years particularly in Asia and even in Germany the number of cases has risen. A total of nine deaths were documented at the institute of Legal Medicine in Hamburg in the period from September 2009 to October 2010. It can be assumed that seven cases were suicide, one case might have been accidental and one case is unclear. Of the decedents seven were male. Cherry red lividity as an indication for carbon monoxide intoxication was not found in all cases. In this context the post-mortem examination as well as the scene investigation should be performed very carefully because principally it is possible for a suicide to be overlooked as well as simulated. The determination of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) should be performed regularly. Furthermore forensic autopsy can provide information as to possible third party involvement