Paraquat Poisoning

Source: IE

Context: Paraquat poisoning recently gained attention following a high-profile murder case in Kerala, where the chemical was used to commit a crime.

• Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, is highly toxic and banned in over 70 countries due to its lethal nature.

About Paraquat Poisoning:

• What is Paraquat Poisoning? Paraquat poisoning occurs when the toxic chemical paraquat, commonly used as a herbicide, enters the human body. It is extremely lethal even in small amounts and is classified as a Category 2 (moderately hazardous) chemical by the WHO.

• Paraquat poisoning occurs when the toxic chemical paraquat, commonly used as a herbicide, enters the human body. It is extremely lethal even in small amounts and is classified as a Category 2 (moderately hazardous) chemical by the WHO.

• How Does Paraquat Poisoning Occur?

• Ingestion: Accidental or intentional swallowing of paraquat is the most common route. Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure to liquid paraquat can lead to absorption and toxicity. Inhalation: Breathing paraquat fumes can cause respiratory damage.

• Ingestion: Accidental or intentional swallowing of paraquat is the most common route.

• Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure to liquid paraquat can lead to absorption and toxicity.

• Inhalation: Breathing paraquat fumes can cause respiratory damage.

• Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning:

• Initial Symptoms: Abdominal pain, swelling, mouth and throat irritation, nausea, and bloody diarrhea. Severe Symptoms: Acute kidney failure, liver damage, rapid heart rate, seizures, and respiratory failure. Symptoms can worsen based on the quantity ingested or exposure duration.

• Initial Symptoms: Abdominal pain, swelling, mouth and throat irritation, nausea, and bloody diarrhea.

• Severe Symptoms: Acute kidney failure, liver damage, rapid heart rate, seizures, and respiratory failure. Symptoms can worsen based on the quantity ingested or exposure duration.

• Treatment for Paraquat Poisoning:

• Immediate Actions: Activated charcoal or Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) can be administered to reduce absorption. Medical Treatment: Hospital care is essential, with options like immunosuppression or charcoal hemoperfusion, though no antidote exists. Safety Measures: Contaminated clothing should be removed, and exposed skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

• Immediate Actions: Activated charcoal or Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) can be administered to reduce absorption.

• Medical Treatment: Hospital care is essential, with options like immunosuppression or charcoal hemoperfusion, though no antidote exists.

• Safety Measures: Contaminated clothing should be removed, and exposed skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

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