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Acute arsenic trioxide ant bait ingestion by toddlers

Jonathan P Yarris1, E Martin Caravati, B Z Horowitz

  • 1Oregon Health and Sciences University, Oregon Poison Center, Portland, OR, USA.

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|September 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric ingestion of arsenic trioxide ant bait can cause high urinary arsenic levels. Prompt succimer chelation is recommended for children exposed to these products until arsenic levels normalize.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Arsenic trioxide is a component in household ant baits.
  • Pediatric arsenic toxicity from ingesting ant bait is not well-documented.

Observation:

  • A case series of six preschool-aged children who unintentionally ingested arsenic trioxide ant bait was analyzed.
  • Ingestion occurred between January 2003 and July 2007, reported to U.S. poison control centers.

Findings:

  • Children experienced vomiting after ingesting varying amounts of 0.46% arsenic trioxide ant bait.
  • Initial urine arsenic concentrations ranged from 1,858 to 13,981 mcg/L.
  • All children recovered with succimer chelation, with normalized urine arsenic levels within 14-35 days.

Implications:

  • Household ant baits containing arsenic trioxide pose a risk of significant pediatric exposure.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt chelation therapy with succimer are crucial for managing pediatric arsenic poisoning from ant bait ingestion.
  • Monitoring urinary arsenic concentrations is essential to confirm treatment efficacy.
Abstract

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