A firefighter has been unwell with frequent vomiting since attending a fire and inhaling fumes from burning plastic.

 

Both the patient and the GP noted that the vomit is blue.  I have a sample in front of me and it is blue.

 

It behaves as an indicator - blue at acid pH and yellow in alkali, the colour change being repeatedly reversible.

 

I suspect that bilicyanin would not behave like this.

 

The patient is not on any drugs and is not consuming sweets.

 

Any ideas?

 

Phil

 

 

 


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