Paraquat Poisoning

A woman in Kerala was awarded the death sentence for poisoning her boyfriend in 2022 with a chemical herbicide called paraquat.

The Sharon Raj Murder Case

• A woman named Greeshma poisoned her boyfriend, Sharon Raj, by mixing paraquat into his food. The chemical caused severe internal damage, leading to his death.
• Legal Outcome: A Thiruvananthapuram court sentenced Greeshma to death for premeditated murder.

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What is paraquat?

• Definition: Paraquat, also known as paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen, is one of the world’s most-used herbicides.
• Uses: It is widely used as a herbicide for controlling weeds and drying crops like cotton before harvest.
• Toxicity: it is classified as a Category 2 chemical (moderately hazardous) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Paraquat is banned in over 70 countries, including China and the European Union, due to its high toxicity. However, it is still used in countries like the US and India.

Usage in India

• In India, paraquat is regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and is approved for use on crops like wheat, rice, tea, and coffee.
• However, its misuse and lack of regulation have led to several poisoning cases.

How Does Paraquat Poisoning Occur?

• Ingestion: The most common route, often leading to fatal outcomes.
• Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure can lead to absorption through the skin.
• Inhalation: Can cause respiratory issues.
• Mechanism of Action: Paraquat causes direct damage to the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. 
  • It spreads rapidly through the body, damaging the lungs, liver, and kidneys. 
  • Cells absorb paraquat through active transport, accelerating its toxic effects.

Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning

• Mild Exposure:
  • Abdominal pain, swelling in the mouth and throat, nausea, and bloody diarrhea.
  • Over time, damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs may occur.
• Severe Exposure:
  • Acute kidney failure, rapid heart rate, liver failure, seizures, and respiratory failure.
  • Death can occur within hours or days, depending on the amount ingested.

Treatment for Paraquat Poisoning

• There is no known antidote for paraquat poisoning.
• Immediate Measures: 
  • Swallowing activated charcoal or Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) to absorb the chemical.
  • Removing contaminated clothing and washing the skin with soap and water.
• Hospital Treatment:
  • Supportive care, including immunosuppression or charcoal hemoperfusion, may be used, but survival rates are low.

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Regulations and Restrictions

• In India: Despite regulations, paraquat is often sold without proper prescriptions or safety guidelines. Farmers frequently misuse it without protective gear, leading to accidental poisonings.
• In the US: Paraquat is restricted to licensed commercial users and is banned for personal or residential use. 

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