The Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder ‘Prinso’ Is Gaining Notoriety Amongst Villagers For Deliberate Self- Poisoning In And Around The Matara District

Abstract

Introduction: The washing powder ‘Prinso' consists of 2 sachets, one containing pink crystals and the other white granules which has become a popular agent amongst the youth for self poisoning. Objectives: To document clinical and biochemical features of ‘prinso' poisoning. To analyze the chemical constituents of prinso. Patients and methods: We present a series of 7 patients who were admitted to General hospital Matara following ‘Prinso' poisoning, from 01.06 2006 to 01.10.2007. We chemically analyzed the two sachets in faculty of science university of Ruhuna. Results: The male: female ratio was 3:4.Out of the 7 patients, 1 patient developed acute renal failure. Conclusion: The readily available household product ‘Prinso' has come to recognition in the array of poisons responsible for deliberate self poisoning among young with a preponderance among females ingesting it in the southern province of Sri Lanka.Keywords: poisoning; detergentCitation: Munasinghe MAAK, Fernando WKBKM. The Toxic Laundry Detergent Powder ‘Prinso’ Is Gaining Notoriety Amongst Villagers For Deliberate Self- Poisoning In And Around The Matara District. Sri Lanka Journal of Critical Care 2009;1:29-32DOI: 10.4038/sljcc.v1i1.940

A preliminary study on the toxic effects of an emerging detergent (Prinso) on rat skin

“…Nevertheless primary toxic effects of these substances are rarely studied. "PRINSO", the emerging detergent is gaining popularity in Sri Lanka and it is also known toxic as some people drink it to commit suicide (Munasinghe and Fernando, 2009). Present study has shown the topical single application of "PRINSO" can cause skin lesions in a rat model.…”

“…They are also sold under other trade names such as "Ever Light", "Vihanga" and "Diamond Light". The product contains two sachets, one containing pink crystals (potassium permanganate) and the other containing white crystals (oxalic acid) (Munasinghe & Fernando, 2009). Some people, however, deliberately ingest "PRINSO" to commit suicide (Munasinghe & Fernando, 2009).…”

Medico-legal implications of illegal commercial toxic detergent “Prinso”: an autopsy study

“…However, in a study done in 2006-2007 in General Hospital, Matara showed a female preponderance. [3] In this study, there were no deaths of children (n=0). Similar to the study done in Matara [3], the majority (n=11) belonged to young adults of 20-39 years of age.…”

“…[3] In this study, there were no deaths of children (n=0). Similar to the study done in Matara [3], the majority (n=11) belonged to young adults of 20-39 years of age. However, there was a 68 years old elderly death as well.…”

“…"Prinso/Pus Kudu" is an illegal commercial detergent find in the market. This washing powder is marketed as two sachets, one consists of 12.5g of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) and the other has 1.2g of potassium permanganate (KMNO4) [3]. Further, it comes to the market in different brand names.…”