Premium
Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine: pest control gone awry
Author(s) -
Shakarjian Michael P.,
Laukova Marcela,
Velíšková Jana,
Stanton Patric K.,
Heck Diane E.,
Velíšek Libor
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.13120
Subject(s) - rodenticide , toxicology , accidental , accidental poisoning , pesticide , medicine , environmental health , poison control , biology , injury prevention , ecology , physics , acoustics
Incidences of pesticide poisonings are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The seizure‐inducing rodenticide tetramethylenedisulfotetramine is one of the most toxic of these agents. Although banned, it has been responsible for thousands of accidental, intentional, and mass poisonings in mainland China and elsewhere. An optimal regimen for treatment of poisoning has not been established. Its facile synthesis from easily obtained starting materials, extreme potency, and lack of odor, color, or taste make it a potential chemical threat agent. This review describes the toxicologic properties of this agent, more recent advances in our understanding of its properties, and recommendations for future research.