Headspace GC/MS testing for chlorodifluoromethane in two fatal cases.

Two cases of lethal poisoning due to chlorodifluoromethane (Freon 22) inhalation are described. The fluorocarbon was determined in biological tissues by headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Ions monitored were m/z 67, 86 and 51, the latter being used for quantification. Blood concentrations were 26.0 and 37.1 microliters/ml. In both cases, the drug was also identified in urine, vitreous humor and bile, but in much lower concentrations.