Head Space-GC Analysis of N, N-Diethyl-M-Toluamide (DEET) in Human Postmortem Specimens: A Forensic Case Report

Authors: Gautam AK, Paul SK* and Verma D

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000325

Volume 8, Issue 3

Abstract

In India, self-poisoning through pesticides is an increasingly common form of suicide. Although deleterious insect repellents (sub-classification of pesticides) are regulated or interdicted, but significant data related to misuse can be procured. Meanwhile, the emergence of novel commercially manufactured products containing insect repellant as a prime ingredient without public and scientific apprehension regarding detrimental impacts has exacerbated the circumstances. Forensic examination of the viscera of the deceased discerned that the death was attributable to Diethyltoulamide intoxication. As no conspiracy behind the death was evident, hence it was pellucid to comprehend that the insect-repellant product was self-administered. Headspace GC analysis of viscera showed noteworthy results in concern to the identification of Diethyltoulamide. This study attempts to identify the most appropriate pesticide and determine whether it is present in biological matrices. The samples were received from the hospital and processed in the Forensic Science Laboratory for testing on possible poisoning. The pesticides Malathion, Dicholorovos, Baygon, and Lindane were utilised as a kind of control. The extraction of pesticides from various biological matrices was done using the solvent extraction method.

Keywords: Diethyltoulamide; Pesticides; Forensic Specimens; Toxicity; Viscera

View PDF