To Investigate the Abundance of Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning in Karaj-Iran from 2006 to 2011

Aluminium phosphide (ALP) is a highly effective insecticide and rodenticide used frequently to protect stored grain. Acute poisoning with this compound is common in some countries including India and Iran, and is a serious health problem. The objective of this study was to survey ALP poisoning and the outcome in hospitals in Karaj, Iran.

The study was a retrospective study from April 2006 to April 2011. Records of all patients admitted and hospitalized to hospital during the five-year period were collected. Information including gender, age, amount of ALP consumed, route of exposure and outcome were extracted from the patients notes.

During the five-year period, 67 patients, 53.7% men and 46.3% women were admitted with ALP poisoning. Most poisoned people were under the age of 21 years.The most common signs and symptoms at admission were nausea (79.4%), vomiting (76.5%), abdominal pain (31.4%) and metabolic acidosis (41.1%). Suicidal intention was the most common cause of poisoning leading to 44.8% deaths and most cases were male (P<0/05).

Due to high mortality, follow poisoning with ALP best treatment is prevention. It should be noted that although in previous years, hospitals did not record all cases of poisoning cases but data indicate a high consumption of this poisoning as a suicidal factor in Karaj city. Withdrawal of ALP tablet from the market and the monitoring of their performance can reduce the rate of poisoning in society