Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh died from “inhalation of chloroethane” and suffocation, according to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The singer and actor was found dead in his US apartment in Rochester, Minnesota, last month at the age of 41
Chloroethane, commonly known as ethyl chloride, is used in petrol additives, plastics, dyes, pharmaceuticals, topical anaesthetics, and as an industrial refrigerant. Ethyl chloride became popular as an inhalant street drug in the 1980s.
Brief inhalations of the drug can result in dizziness, euphoria, confusion, incoordination, hallucinosis, impairment of short-term memory and narcosis. Inhalation of higher doses may be related to severe depression of the central nervous system – toxicity and deaths have been reported – while it can also damage the liver and kidneys.
Chloroethane is used as a thickening agent and binder in paints, cosmetics, and similar products. Chloroethane has been used as a refrigerant, an aerosol spray propellant, an anesthetic, and a blowing agent for foam packaging. At present though, it is not widely used in any of these roles.
Chloroethane is a recreational inhalant drug. In Brazil, it is a major component of a traditional (though illegal) drug taken during Carnaval, known locally as "lança-perfume"
Victims usually exhibit symptoms similar to those of alcohol intoxication. Breathing its vapors at more than 15% concentration is often fatal
If exposed to concentrations higher than 6% to 8% victims often exhibit shallow breathing, loss of consciousnesses, and depressed heart-rate. They can be brought around with physical contact or loud noise. At this point removal from the area of exposure is advised to restore consciousness. The long-term effects of exposure over a period of four or more hours will cause side effects similar to alcoholic hang-over with dehydration, dizziness, loss of clear vision and temporary loss of consciousness, which can last an hour or more. If no longer exposed to the gas, a victim will return to normal health quickly. This can be helped with intake of extra fluids, vitamins, and sugars.
Toxic over-exposure starts at 9% to 12% concentrations, the heart rate drops further, the victim may have more shallow breathing or stop all together, they do not respond to any outside stimulation and may begin to involuntarily gasp, belch or vomit. This constitutes a medical emergency and requires prompt action. It is advised to move the victim to clear air and administer forced breathing for them to purge the lungs of the toxic fumes. If the victim recovers quickly enough, hospitalization may not be required, but will require a medical examination to ensure that no organ damage has occurred.
At more than 12% concentration, the victim's heart, lungs and kidneys begin to fail. Immediate CPR followed by medical support measures may be required to prevent fatal kidney, lung and heart failure.
