Abstract

ALUMINIUM PHOSPHIDE: TOXICITY MECHANISM AND CREDIBLE TREATMENTS

Arshia Berry, Garima Singh, Simran Jeet Kaur and Kumud Bala*

ABSTRACT

Suicides and deaths by "accidental" ingestion or inhalation of Aluminium Phosphide poisoning are rising at an alarming rate year after year. Ascribing to the lack of an effective and safe antidote and with almost a 100% mortality rate, it becomes next to impossible to save the victim of this particular poisoning. In order to do the same, it is imperative to fully comprehend the mechanism and action of AlP on various organs, once it enters the body. Thus, this review explains the mode of action of phosphine gas produced by AlP inside the human body, with a special emphasis on the nucleophilic nature of phosphine and its role in inducing cytochrome c - mediated oxidative stress, giving way to metabolic acidosis and multiple organ failure. The predicted treatments will include moieties capable of inhibiting the cytochrome c pathway and neutralizing the serum acid content along with already established agents combating various aspects of AlP poisoning.

Keywords: Aluminium Phosphide, Phosphine, poisioning, fumigant.