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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
14:07
Preparation and Use of Carbonyl-decorated Carbenes in the Activation of White Phosphorus
Published on: October 3, 2014
Fatal aluminum phosphide poisoning.
F Anger1, F Paysant, F Brousse
1Laboratoire de Toxicologie Pharmaceutique, U.F.R. des Sciences Médicales et Pharmaceutiques, Rennes, France.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|March 25, 2000
Summary
Aluminum phosphide poisoning is rare but highly toxic. Autopsy revealed significant hydrogen phosphine gas and high aluminum/phosphorus levels in organs, confirming fatal pesticide ingestion.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a pesticide that releases toxic hydrogen phosphine (PH3) gas upon contact with moisture.
- Ingestion of AlP can be fatal, necessitating accurate toxicological analysis.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male died after ingesting AlP, with autopsy performed 10 days post-ingestion.
- Autopsy revealed asphyxia syndrome, visceral congestion, and pulmonary lesions.
- Analysis detected hydrogen phosphine gas in brain, liver, and kidneys, along with elevated phosphorus and aluminum levels in blood and tissues.
Findings:
- Confirmed diagnosis of aluminum phosphide poisoning.
- Detected significant concentrations of hydrogen phosphine, phosphorus, and aluminum in various organs.
- Observed high aluminum levels in blood, brain, and liver exceeded typical values.
Implications:
- Highlights the extreme toxicity of hydrogen phosphine gas released from aluminum phosphide.
- Emphasizes the importance of forensic analysis in rare poisoning cases.
- Provides crucial data on phosphorus and aluminum distribution in fatal AlP poisoning.
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