Toxicological analysis in a case of endosulfan suicide

Abstract

Stomach, small intestine contents, blood, liver, kidney and urine of a 28-years old man, were analyzed for residues of Endosulfan (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10-hexachloro-1, 5, 5a, 6, 9, 9a-hexahydro-6, 9-methano-2, 4, 3-benzo(e)dioxathiepin 3-oxide). The analysis results showed the presence of high concentrations of the two endosulfan isomers in all samples. Since also alcohol was present in all the tissues analyzed, it was concluded that the victim died of a combined endosulfan-alcohol poisoning. No other drugs were found.

Exposure to endosulfan in farmers: Two case studies

“…All were treated by gastric lavage and developed tonic-clonic convulsions 1±4 h post ingestion. In another fatal case the reported blood levels were 0.075 mg/L several hours after ingestion which was complicated by the presence of alcohol [Demeter et al, 1977] (see Table II for a comparison of endosulfan blood levels). Eighteen additional incidents of occupational endosulfan exposure associated with convulsions have been documented in recent literature [Chugh et al, 1998].…”

“…In one case, a man consumed endosulfan and dimethoate in xylene and alcohol. In another report, authors concluded that a fatality was due to synergistic effects of alcohol and endosulfan [Demeter et al, 1977].…”

“…Because endosulfan is a Toxicity Class 1 Poison, the protective equipment requirements for mixing, loading and applying are: long sleeve shirt, pants and head covering; chemical resistant apron when handling and mixing the concentrate; goggles/face shield when applying; full/half face NIOSH-approved respirator; and gloves made of rubber/neoprene [Naegely, 1998]. Prevention of pesticide poisoning as well as an individual's susceptibility to poisoning depends upon many factors: species; age; nutritional status; gender; current state of health; the presence of multiple chemicals, including other pesticides, alcohol, and nicotine; and general individual susceptibility [Demeter et al, 1977]. Assessment of applicator exposure, as well as on-going surveillance, may provide researchers with a better approach to preventive measures.…”

Endosulfan Poisoning with Intravascular Hemolysis

“…Endosulfan acts as an antagonist to the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by inactivating GABA A-dependent chloride channels. Several cases of suicidal and accidental poisoning, as well as chronic poisoning, with endosulfan have been reported in the literature (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Poisoning with endosulfan produces strong sulfur odors, and the clinical picture is comprised of three stages: the acute cardiac and convulsive stage, followed by the sub-acute pulmonary and convulsive stage, and finally, the slow recovery stage (2).…”

“…Its full name is 6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzo(e) dioxathiepin 3-oxide, and it is used as a pesticide (1). It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and skin.…”