Sudden Death Resulting from Inhalation of Fire Extinguishers Containing Bromochlorodifluoromethane

Abstract

Solvent abuse or glue-sniffing has become an increasing problem in the young and a wide variety of substances have been involved. Bromochlorodifluoromethane (BCF) is a vapourizing liquid fire-extinguishing agent, particularly effective against burning liquids or electrical fires. We report five sudden deaths resulting from the deliberate inhalation for euphoric effect of the contents of BCF-type fire extinguishers.