ISSN: 2573-1734
Authors: Soltaninejad K*
Aluminum phosphide (AlP) (known as "rice tablet" in Iran), is an insecticide and rodenticide used to protect stored crops from pests. This pesticide is highly toxic to humans and has been the cause of many accidental and intentional poisonings, worldwide. Due to the high incidence of acute AlP poisoning and its mortality in Iran, the authorities banned sale and distribution of AlP tablets in 2007. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current status of acute AlP poisoning in Iran. The results shows that despite the prohibition of AlP tablets, the frequency of AlP acute poisonings is high in Iran. AlP tablet is considered as one of the most important tools for suicidal poisonings. The mortality rate of AlP poisoning is estimated at 27% in Iran. This type of poisoning has been reported mostly in men aged between 20 -30 years and in the form of oral consumption. Considering the prevalence of AlP poisoning in the country due to poor legislation, it is suggested to take legal measures to limit the distribution and sale of AlP tablets in the black markets.
Keywords: Aluminum Phosphide; Rice Tablet; Poisoning; Iran
