Phosphine Analysis in Postmortem Specimens Following Inhalation of Phosphine: Fatal Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning in Children.
J Anal Toxicol
; 42(5): 330-336, 2018 Jun 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29378027
ABSTRACT
Phosphine is an insecticide for the fumigation of grains, animal feed, and leaf-stored tobacco, and it was used as a rodenticide in bulk grain stores. Phosphine poisoning may occur after accidental inhalation of phosphine, sometimes leading to death. Analysis of phosphine and its metabolites in postmortem specimens from seven fatal cases was conducted in this study, as well as postmortem specimens collected from rabbits exposed to phosphine. The total phosphine in postmortem specimens was analyzed by headspace gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Diagnosis of aluminum phosphide poisoning was made after postmortem toxicological analysis and confirmed by police investigation. The deaths of the children occurred after inhalation of phosphine generated from aluminum phosphide contacting moisture in the air in all seven fatal cases. The concentration of total phosphine in the biological fluids and tissues of victims ranged from 0.2 to 4.7 µg/mL (µg/g). Animal experiments demonstrated that the phosphine generated from aluminum phosphide could rapidly cause death. The toxicological analysis of postmortem specimens provides useful information in diagnosis of aluminum phosphide poisoning in forensic science. As an important fumigation pesticide, aluminum phosphide deserves special attention, especially since there is no specific antidote and there is a high fatality rate.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
2_ODS3
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Fosfinas
/
Rodenticidas
/
Compostos de Alumínio
/
Exposição por Inalação
/
Intoxicação por Organofosfatos
/
Inseticidas
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
Limite:
Animals
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Child
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Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Anal Toxicol
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article