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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Reaction Kinetics and Combustion Dynamics of I4O9 and Aluminum Mixtures
Published on: November 7, 2016
Spontaneous ignition due to intentional acute aluminum phosphide poisoning
Shahin Shadnia1, Kambiz Soltaninejad
1Loghman-Hakim Hospital Poison Center, Faculty of Medicine, Toxicological Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Acute aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is one of the most common cause of acute pesticide poisoning in Iran. Spontaneous ignition is a rare finding in AlP poisoning.
Objective:
To present two cases of fatal AlP poisoning that involved spontaneous ignition.
Case Report:
Two patients presented with suicidal ingestion of AlP tablets. In the Emergency Department (ED), they received gastric lavage. During insertion of a nasogastric tube, both patients experienced spontaneous ignition, and flames were witnessed by the medical personnel. Unfortunately, both patients died due to systemic effects of AlP poisoning.
Conclusion:
Patients who present with acute aluminum phosphide poisoning may experience spontaneous ignition in the ED.
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