J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol.  2011 Dec;9(2):109-112.

A Case of Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea. LIFESAV@inha.ac.kr

Abstract

Aluminum phosphide is commonly used as a rodenticidal agent in agricultural workplaces. However, reported cases of aluminum phosphide poisoning in Korea are rare. Upon contact with moisture in the air, aluminum phosphide releases highly toxic phosphine gas (PH3). PH3 is readily absorbed through lung epithelium and into the bloodstream. Phosphine may cause denaturing of oxyhemoglobin and enzymes important to respiration and metabolism, and also may effect cellular membranes. There are numerous complications associated with acute aluminum phosphide poisoning including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiac toxicities. We report the case of a 46-year-old man who suffered from respiratory and cardiac toxicities after unintentional aluminum phosphide exposure. More intensive education for prevention is recommended.

Keyword

Aluminum phosphide; Phosphine gas; Complications

MeSH Terms

Aluminum
Aluminum Compounds
Epithelium
Humans
Korea
Lung
Membranes
Middle Aged
Oxyhemoglobins
Phosphines
Respiration
Aluminum
Aluminum Compounds
Oxyhemoglobins
Phosphines
Full Text Links
  • JKSCT
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr