[Accidental fatal poisoning with ethyl fluoroacetate]

Fluoroacetic salts belong to the most toxic chemicals. They are used for various purposes, and form stable compounds in some plants. A case of poisoning with ethyl fluoroacetate is presented in detail. Diagnostic problems and therapy which failed due to the late diagnosis and dramatic progress in the symptoms of poisoning are also discussed. Fluoroacetic ion alone is non-toxic but in vivo forms fluorotricarboxylic acid, which blocks cellular metabolism at the citrate stage. Symptoms occur with a delay but lethal synthesis of fluorotricarboxylic acid leads to the irreversible cellular dysfunction, especially in CNS and circulatory system. Poisoning may be treated with monoacetin and acetamide. An emphasis is on health hazards resulting from the exposure to fluoroacetate and necessity to observe strictly safety regulations.