Percutaneous paraquat absorption. An association with cutaneous lesions and respiratory failure

Striking cutaneous lesions and death owing to respiratory failure occurred in a middle-aged woman eight weeks after initial cutaneous contact with the herbicide paraquat (1,1'dimethyl-4,4'dipyridylium dichloride). While similar changes have been described in animals, to our knowledge, serious morbidity or mortality owing to percutaneous absorption has not been described in man. This case report illustrates the extreme toxicity of this herbicide and demonstrates that lethal quantities of the drug may be absorbed from apparently trivial skin wounds. Stricter precautions, including the mandatory use of protective clothing, should be recommended whenever this material is used.