ETHYLENE GLYCOL (ANTIFREEZE)

It was a case that had doctors and law enforcement in the small

town of Perry, Okla. puzzled. What killed 53 year-old Carol Hellar?

DETECTION

According to the thousands of pages of information,

Hellar’s only symptom that was inconsistent with a reaction

to her medication was kidney failure. The records showed

throughout her illness that Hellar had a steady decline in

kidney function. At autopsy, significant levels of calcium

oxalate crystals were found in her kidneys and brain, which

could only be present as a result of a genetic disorder or

ingestion of ethylene glycol, commonly known as antifreeze.

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, convulsions,

stupor, or even coma.

HISTORY

Ethylene glycol-an organic compound widely

used as an automotive antifreeze and a precursor

to polymers.

“The interesting thing about ethylene glycol

poisoning is that the symptoms can easily mirror those

of an overdose of lithium and other prescribed psychoactive

medications – which is what kept her doctors off balance,”

Poklis said. “Poisoning from ethylene glycol is usually

accidental, or the result of an attempted suicide.”

LASTING EFFECTS

In its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless,

syrupy, sweet-tasting liquid. It is found in many

household items like detergents, paints, and

cosmetics. Ethylene glycol is toxic, and

ingestion can result in death. The end result is

kidney failure, among other things like damage

to the brain, lungs, liver, and lungs.

CURE

Most people with ethylene glycol poisoning will need

to be admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit

(ICU) for close monitoring, and may need a breathing

machine (respirator).

Those who recently swallowed the ethylene glycol

may have their stomach pumped (suctioned). This can

help remove some of the poison.

The first symptom of ethylene glycol ingestion is similar to the feeling caused by intensely drinking alcohol followed by death.

WASTED

RESOURCES

http://

www.news.vcu.edu/news/VCU_forensic_toxicologist

s

https://

health.google.com/health/ref/Ethylene+glycol+intoxi

cation