Acute fatal poisoning with Tolfenpyrad

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Pesticide Poisoning
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Tolfenpyrad (TFP) is a pesticide approved in Japan in 2002.
• Fatal poisonings are rare but critical to document for public health.
• Understanding TFP toxicity is essential for forensic investigations.

Observation:

• A deceased male in his fifties was found with a naphthalene odor.
• Autopsy revealed minimal findings except for stomach contents with a naphthalene smell.
• Toxicological analysis detected TFP, its metabolite PTCA, and naphthalene compounds.

Findings:

• Quantified plasma concentrations: TFP (1.97 μg/ml), PTCA (2.88 μg/ml), naphthalene (1.70 μg/ml), 1-methyl naphthalene (0.67 μg/ml), 2-methyl naphthalene (1.44 μg/ml).
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used for detection.
• The cause of death was determined to be acute Tolfenpyrad poisoning.

Implications:

• This is the first reported case of fatal poisoning from a Tolfenpyrad product.
• Highlights the importance of considering TFP in forensic toxicology cases.
• Emphasizes the need for awareness of TFP toxicity and proper handling procedures.