Zinc phosphide intoxication symptoms: analysis of 20 cases

Twenty cases of zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) ingestion (self-poisoning) were seen during the last 5 years (January 1992-December 1996). Poisoning was rare before 1986. Profuse vomiting (100%), pain in abdomen (100%), palpitation and sweating (80%), dyspnea and tachypnea (75%), metabolic acidosis (60%), shock (40%), and hypotension (40%) were the most common presenting features. Five patients (25%) died. The toxic effects were due to liberation of toxic phosphine (PH3) gas which was detected by qualitative silver nitrate paper test in majority of cases.