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Human poisoning with spinosad and flonicamid insecticides
Ting-Yi Su1, Ja-Liang Lin, Dan-Tzu Lin-Tan
1Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|March 9, 2011
Summary
This case report details severe neurological and esophageal toxicity following acute ingestion of spinosad and flonicamid insecticide mixture. The patient recovered fully, prompting questions about the safety of these pesticides in humans.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Insecticides spinosad and flonicamid are generally considered safe for laboratory animals.
- Acute human poisoning cases involving these specific compounds are rare in scientific literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze a severe case of acute poisoning from a spinosad and flonicamid mixture.
- To investigate potential reasons for the severe clinical manifestations observed.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 80-year-old female with intentional ingestion of spinosad and flonicamid.
- Clinical observation, resuscitation, detoxification, and intensive care.
- Endoscopic examination for esophageal injury.
Main Results:
- The patient exhibited significant neurological symptoms (consciousness disturbance, shock, respiratory failure) and pneumonitis.
- Grade 2a corrosive esophageal injury was identified.
- Full recovery was achieved after medical intervention without chronic sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Acute ingestion of spinosad and flonicamid mixture can lead to severe clinical toxicities in humans, contrary to animal safety data.
- Dosage exceeding human physiological safety limits and formulation components (solvents) may contribute to severe toxicity.
- Further research is needed to understand the discrepancy between animal safety data and human clinical outcomes for these pesticides.
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