Aluminium Phosphide Toxicity Explained
Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a chemical compound often used as a pest control agent. Its toxicity stems from its reaction with moisture.
Mechanism of Toxicity
Upon contact with water or moisture (present in the air, stomach, or gastrointestinal tract), aluminium phosphide undergoes hydrolysis, releasing phosphine gas ($PH_3$).
The chemical reaction is:
Al P + 3 H₂O → Al(OH)₃ + PH₃
Phosphine ($PH_3$) is a highly toxic, flammable gas. It interferes with cellular respiration and mitochondrial function, leading to severe systemic toxicity affecting multiple organs, particularly the heart, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Conclusion
The toxic effects of aluminium phosphide are primarily due to the release of Phosphine gas.
Important Questions from Chemical Poisoning
Consider the following statements regarding organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) :
1. It is a rare complication and occurs 2 - 3 weeks after acute exposure.
2. It is a feature of poisoning with certain organophosphorus compounds such as triorthocresyl phosphate.
3. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase causes motor polyneuropathy with no evidence of sensory loss.
4. There is no specific therapy although regular physiotherapy may limit deformity caused by muscle wasting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A young female of 22 year old presented to the medical emergency with complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and convulsions along with methaemoglobulinemia. What is the likely diagnosis ?
Which of the following parts of the human body can be used as a sample/samples for the presence of mercury?
1. Blood
2. Hair
3. Nail
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Consider the following statements:
1. All organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) enter the human bodies through food chain only.
2. Some of the OCPs are categorized as Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to mercury pollution, which of the following statements are correct?
1. Once released into environment, mercury can turn into methyl mercury.
2. Mercury can enter the human body through inhalation.
3. As regards the entry and accumulation of mercury in humans, contaminated fish is an important source. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
