PREVALENCE OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ZINC PHOSPHIDE POISONING IN FORENSIC CASES

Abstract

Background: Zinc phosphide is a dark grey or black substance commonly used as a rodenticide in developing countries to protect grains and legumes. When ingested, it reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, which can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, leading to zinc phosphide poisoning. The results of this research will help the police and other security agencies to consider and implement the necessary measures to reduce poisonings and deaths caused by zinc phosphide, which is used for suicide, murder, and accidents.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of deaths caused by zinc phosphide poisoning in cases referred to the Kabul Forensic Medicine Centre.

Material & Method: This cross-sectional research was conducted Using documents and registration books of forensic medicine, all cases of zinc phosphide poisoning brought to the centre from March 21, 2019, to March 20, 2020, were included and analyzed through SPSS version 26.

Results: Out of 2176 cases of deaths due to poisoning during the given period, 583 cases (26.79%) were caused by zinc phosphide poisoning. The majority of victims were young people between the ages of 18 and 30, and zinc phosphide was found to be the second deadliest poison after alcohol. Most of these incidents were suicides and occurred among families with low-income levels and limited education. Women were more commonly affected than men.

Conclusion: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that zinc phosphide is a highly lethal poison that poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations in developing countries.