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). Poisonin g was rare before 1986. Profuse vomiting (100%), pain in abdomen (100% ), palpitation and sweating (80%), dyspnea and tachypnea (75%), metabo lic acidosis (60%), shock (40%), and hypotension (40%) were the most c ommon presenting features. Five patients (25%) died. The toxic effects were due to liberation of toxic phosphine (PH3) gas which was detecte d by qualitative silver nitrate paper test in majority of cases.