Submucosal Haemorrhage in Celphos Poisoning: Postmortem Study and Chemical Analysis

Abstract

Poisons are commonly involved in homicidal, accidental or suicidal cases. In India Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is available as white tablet of Celphos commonly used as grain preservative. After ingestion on coming in contact with moisture ALP librates Phosphine gas (PH3) having pungent odour. The chemical reaction is accelerated by the presence of HCL in the stomach. Phosphine is rapidly absorbed from gastric mucosa by simple diffusion and cause damage to the internal organs. Several studies reported 100% necrosis of mucosa in ALP poisoning but still no specific antidote are available for it. ALP poisoning was found to be the major cause of death among all cases of poisonings. Several suspected visceral samples for detection of poison were examined in Forensic Science Laboratory, Bihar, Patna. The present study was conducted on those 25 visceral samples in which mucosal haemorrhage was reported in their postmortem finding and gave positive result in preliminary examination of Celphos. Other parameters such as age, sex, causes of consumption of poison (suicidal, homicidal or accidental) as mentioned in FIR was also studied. Chemical analysis was done using Thin layer Chromatography technique. Aluminium Phosphide was found positive in all 25 visceral samples. Aluminium Phosphide poisoning has become the commonest poison in most of the cases of suicidal consumption. In India Despite its alleged high toxicity ALP is frequently used as grain preservative, which can be replace by using old traditional medicinal techniques like Neem leaf(Azadirachta indica),Turmeric(Curcuma longa),Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum)etc. Aluminium phosphide (ALP) poisoning (Celphos) has emerged as a common cause of accidental poisoning in children with mortality ranging from 37-100%.These pesticides should not easily available. Sale of poison should be control by strict law. Any negligent conduct with respect to poison resulting in damage to a person is punishable. Since, it has no specific antidote so management remains primarily supportive care. Toxicologists, Biotechnologists and other research scientists should work on such antidote that quickly counteract the effects of poison.