Background: Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde. It is a protoplasmic poison
and causes coagulation necrosis and tissue fixation. Case: A 19-year-old girl was brought
for autopsy to the mortuary of JSS Medical College, Mysore. Conclusion: Formalin is an
unusual poison to be ingested for suicidal purposes due to selective availability and its
strong taste and odor.

A 55-year old male died after complaining of severe burning chest pain following ingestion
of formalin. The examination findings and the corroborative evidence from the scene of
occurrence helped in establishing the cause of death. Mishandling and lack of awareness of
the hazardous effects of formalin are important aspects which need serious attention. Only a
few cases of formalin poisoning have been reported from across the world and findings in
formalin ingestion cases have been rarely described in literature. The case has been …