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An Evaluation of Childhood Deaths in Turkey Due to Yellow Phosphorus in Firecrackers
Author(s) -
Yilmaz Riza,
Yilmaz Eyyüp,
Ozdemir Veli,
Can Muhammet,
Pakis Isil,
Piskin Ibrahim E.,
Dokgoz Halis,
Ozer Erdal,
Numanoglu Kemal V.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12702
Subject(s) - poison control , phosphorus , occupational safety and health , injury prevention , suicide prevention , environmental health , human factors and ergonomics , forensic engineering , medical emergency , environmental science , medicine , engineering , materials science , metallurgy , pathology
Yellow phosphorus ( YP ) is a powerful protoplasmic poison used in the manufacturing of matches, pest poisons, firecrackers, firework cracker, lights for watches, military ammunition, and agriculture fertilizer. YP is extremely flammable and toxic and easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we examined childhood deaths from 1997 to 2012 resulting from the ingestion of firecrackers. The patients ranged from 2 to 15 years of age and were admitted to the hospital with a variety of symptoms. Those that presented with nausea, vomiting, and hypotension rapidly deteriorated and entered a coma. An autopsy was performed in all but one of the 16 cases reviewed. Macroscopically, the livers had a yellowish discoloration with petechial bleeding. Histopathologic examination revealed acute toxic hepatitis. In conclusion, these firecrackers are found in corner shops throughout Turkey, may cause death in children with little warning, and should be banned to prevent further deaths.