Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning: The Menace Of Phosphine Exposure

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a popular fumigant used widely for the safe storage of food grain. Although A1P is free from toxic residues, it releases phosphine which acts on mitochondrial components of almost all types of pests. Unfortunately A1P is also a common suicidal agent in developing countries with no known antidote. In addition, accidental exposure to phosphine may also occur. AlP poisoning affects cardiac and vascular tissue directly and can result in multiorgan system failure leading to death in severe cases. There is no specific biomarker for diagnosing AlP poisoning and management depends on a high level of clinical suspicion. Although acetylcholinesterase has been suggested as a surrogate biomarker of AlP exposure, there are opposing views. In this review, we analyzed the relevant published material with emphasis on the need to recognize and explore the use of plasma mitochondrial enzyme activity as a potential biomarker for AlP exposure.