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Poisoning due to chlorophenoxy herbicides.
Sally M Bradberry1, Alex T Proudfoot, J Allister Vale
1National Poisons Information Service (Birmingham Centre) and West Midlands Poisons Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Toxicological Reviews
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Chlorophenoxy herbicides cause various toxic effects, including gastrointestinal issues, neurological symptoms, and muscle damage. Supportive care, urine alkalinization, or hemodialysis can enhance herbicide elimination in poisoned patients.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Chlorophenoxy herbicides are widely used for broad-leaved weed control.
- These herbicides exhibit diverse toxicity mechanisms, including cell membrane damage, oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling, and acetylcoenzyme A metabolism disruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the toxicological effects of chlorophenoxy herbicides.
- To outline clinical manifestations and management strategies for chlorophenoxy herbicide poisoning.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical effects following ingestion, dermal, and inhalation exposure.
- Discussion of supportive care and enhanced elimination techniques.
Main Results:
- Early effects include gastrointestinal symptoms and hypotension.
- Neurological symptoms range from coma to peripheral neuropathy.
- Myopathic symptoms, metabolic acidosis, renal failure, and pyrexia are reported.
- Both urine alkalinization and hemodialysis enhance herbicide elimination.
Conclusions:
- Chlorophenoxy herbicide poisoning presents with a wide spectrum of systemic effects.
- Prompt supportive care and enhanced elimination strategies are crucial for patient management.