Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology (대한임상독성학회지)

Korean society of Clincal Toxicology (대한임상독성학회)
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A Case of Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning

알루미늄 포스파이드 중독 1례

  • Jung, Hyun-Min (Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University) ;
  • Kim, Ji-Hye (Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University) ;
  • Paik, Jin-Hui (Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University) ;
  • Kim, Jun-Sig (Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University) ;
  • Kim, Jung-Hun (Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University) ;
  • Han, Seung-Baik (Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University)
  • 정현민 (인하대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 김지혜 (인하대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 백진휘 (인하대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 김준식 (인하대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 김정훈 (인하대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실) ;
  • 한승백 (인하대학교 의과대학 응급의학교실)
  • Received : 2011.08.01
  • Accepted : 2011.09.06
  • Published : 2011.12.31
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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 ($PH_3$). $PH_3$ 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.

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