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Acute human glufosinate-containing herbicide poisoning
Yan-Chiao Mao1, Dong-Zong Hung, Ming-Ling Wu
1Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|April 7, 2012
Summary
Acute glufosinate poisoning can cause severe effects, even death. Older age, larger ingestion amounts, and no ethanol consumption increase risk, highlighting the need for awareness of glufosinate toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Glufosinate herbicides are widely used globally.
- Limited data exists on acute human glufosinate poisoning.
- This study addresses the scarcity of information on glufosinate toxicity in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze demographic and clinical data of glufosinate poisoning cases.
- To identify predictors of severe outcomes in acute glufosinate poisoning.
- To enhance understanding of glufosinate toxicity in human exposures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from poison control centers and medical institutions in Taiwan (1993-2010).
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, and exposure data for 131 glufosinate poisoning patients.
- Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with severe toxicity and mortality.
Main Results:
- 131 patients with glufosinate exposure were analyzed (115 oral, 16 non-oral).
- Severe manifestations included gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory symptoms; 6.1% mortality.
- Older age (≥ 61 years) and higher glufosinate dose (≥ 13.9g) predicted severe toxicity; ethanol consumption showed a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Glufosinate, despite perceived low toxicity, can cause severe human poisoning.
- Predictors of severe outcomes include advanced age, significant ingestion volume, and lack of ethanol co-ingestion.
- Findings underscore the importance of recognizing risk factors for severe glufosinate toxicity.
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