Unintentional fatal phosphine gas poisoning of a family

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2011 Sep;27(9):869-71. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3182348e40.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to report the toxicity of phosphine gas after a residential fumigation that resulted in fatal poisoning of a 15-month-old toddler and her 4-year-old sibling.

Methods: This is a case report and a review of literature.

Results: A family of 6 members was exposed to phosphine gas after their yard was treated with aluminum phosphide for a rodent infestation. The inhalation of phosphine gas initially caused symptoms of abdominal distress in all of the family members. Within 36 hours of exposure, the 4-year-old sibling died of cardiopulmonary failure in a local emergency department. After an initial presentation of respiratory distress, the 15-month-old toddler progressed to complete cardiopulmonary collapse and did not survive despite aggressive intervention including extracorporeal membrane life support.

Conclusions: Unintentional phosphine gas exposure is rare but has a toxic profile that results in a high fatality rate with no known antidote.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Home*
  • Adult
  • Aluminum Compounds / poisoning*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Diarrhea / chemically induced
  • Emergencies
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Foodborne Diseases / diagnosis
  • Gases
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Nausea / chemically induced
  • Phosphines / poisoning*
  • Rodenticides / poisoning*
  • Vomiting / chemically induced

Substances

  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Gases
  • Phosphines
  • Rodenticides
  • aluminum phosphide