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Fatal Poisoning with Both Dichlorvos and Phenthoate
Akina Nara1, Chiho Yamada1, Takanori Kodama1
1Division of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi, 981-8558, Japan.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|March 31, 2018
Summary
This case study details a fatal organophosphate poisoning incident involving dichlorvos and phenthoate ingestion. Autopsy and toxicological results confirmed acute poisoning as the cause of death.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Pesticide Safety
Background:
- Organophosphates are common pesticides with significant toxicity.
- Intentional ingestion of organophosphates for suicide is a documented concern.
- This study examines a specific case of combined dichlorvos and phenthoate poisoning.
Observation:
- An elderly male ingested both dichlorvos and phenthoate.
- Autopsy revealed characteristic volatile odor, esophageal denaturation, and low serum cholinesterase activity.
- Significant concentrations of dichlorvos and phenthoate were detected in blood and stomach contents.
Findings:
- High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed lethal levels of dichlorvos and phenthoate.
- Quantification revealed 11.6 μg/mL dichlorvos and 5.8 μg/mL phenthoate in left cardiac blood.
- Stomach analysis showed 7.35 g dichlorvos and 4.55 g phenthoate.
Implications:
- This case highlights the lethal potential of combined OP pesticide ingestion.
- Accurate toxicological analysis is crucial for determining cause of death in OP poisoning cases.
- Understanding OP toxicity aids in public health strategies and forensic investigations.
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