Sn. Chugh et al., ZINC PHOSPHIDE INTOXICATION SYMPTOMS - ANALYSIS OF 20 CASES, International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 36(7), 1998, pp. 406-407
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.