JIST

Abstract

Aluminium phosphide pellets are inexpensive and widely available for grain fumigation and preservation. Their free availability has led to an epidemic-like situation in some parts of India due to its intentional (suicidal or homicidal) or accidental ingestion. There is a steady year-wise increment in the number of deaths due to this poison, and it is the single most frequent suicidal agent in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Eighty nine patients with acute aluminium phosphide poisoning were studied in SMS Hospital Jaipur, during the period September 2009 to September 2010. Out of these, 74 patients died (83.15%). The sociodemographic and clinical profile of aluminium phosphide poisoning are discussed in this paper.