Aluminium phosphide (AlP) a grain fumigant is the leading cause of intentional poisoning in North India. The mechanisms involved in toxicity are not known and there is no antidote till date. The present study was carried out to investigate the oxygen free radical generation, methemoglobinemia and effect of methylene blue treatment on survival time in rat model of AlP poisoning. AlP (50 mg/kg, i...

Human toxicity of aluminium phosphide occurs due to the toxic effects of phosphine which is liberated in stomach on ingestion (1). The effect is worse in the presence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It is widely absorbed from gastrointestinal tract and has cytotoxic action as it inhibits mitochondrial respiration. It affects almost all systems i.e. gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respira...

Every year, about 300,000 people die because of pesticide poisoning worldwide. The most common pesticide agents are organophosphates and phosphides, aluminium phosphide (AlP) in particular. AlP is known as a suicide poison that can easily be bought and has no effective antidote. Its toxicity results from the release of phosphine gas as the tablet gets into contact with moisture. Phosphine gas p...

Aluminium phosphide (ALP) is highly toxic and poisoning can result in high mortality rates. A 26-year-old female who allegedly ingested a toxic dose of ALP presented with vomiting and diarrhoea. She developed cardiac arrest with refractory pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Despite aggressive resuscitation, she succumbed to death seven hours following ingestion. In cases like this, a better out...

Aluminium phosphide, due to its low cost, easy availability and highly toxic nature, is emerging as a common self-poisoning agent in adults. In children, besides accidental ingestion, it is usually given by their parents who themselves have taken it with suicidal intentions. Seven such cases in children are reported. Since prevention is the only logical approach there is an urgent need to take ...