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Death due to malathion poisoning.
M Pannell1, J D Gilbert, J Gardiner
1Forensic Science Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|August 9, 2005
Summary
Malathion insecticide deaths are rare, with only 5 intentional cases over 20 years in South Australia. Most deaths involved ingestion, and malathion suicides represented a small fraction of overall suicides.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Malathion is a widely accessible insecticide.
- Its toxicity is considered relatively low.
- Understanding patterns of fatal exposure is crucial for public health and forensic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of deaths involving malathion exposure.
- To determine the incidence and demographics of malathion-associated fatalities.
- To assess the contribution of malathion poisoning to overall suicide rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of death records over a 20-year period in South Australia.
- Inclusion criteria focused on cases with confirmed malathion exposure.
- Data collected included demographics, exposure route, and circumstances of death.
Main Results:
- Five cases of intentional malathion exposure resulting in death were identified.
- The male to female ratio was 2:3, with ages ranging from 32 to 80 years (mean 57).
- Four deaths resulted from ingestion, one from intravenous injection; postmortem regurgitation occurred in one ingestion case.
- Malathion-related suicides constituted only 0.2% of 3,202 recorded suicides.
Conclusions:
- Intentional malathion poisoning is an uncommon cause of death.
- Ingestion is the primary route of fatal exposure.
- Malathion does not represent a significant method for suicide in the studied population.