What is Malathion Poisoning?

• Malathion is a widely used organic insecticide in large farms and fields and home gardens. The substance is also used as a mosquito/bug spray and against head lice and flea infestation
• Malathion Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake of any product containing the compound. The exposure may occur following skin/eye contact with malathion, inhalation, or swallowing of the product
• The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

Malathion Poisoning may be also referred to variously as the following:

• Carbofos Poisoning
• Compound 4049 Poisoning
• Cythion Poisoning
• Fosfothion Poisoning
• Malathion Toxicity
• Mercaptothion Poisoning

What are the Causes of Malathion Poisoning?

• Malathion Poisoning is caused by exposure to malathion-based products. This may occur following a skin or eye exposure, inhalation of malathion fumes or vapors, or swallowing of the chemical
• Malathion is toxic and can be easily absorbed by the body, especially following skin contact or ingestion of the substance
• This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm

Note: The compound can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Malathion Poisoning?

The signs and symptoms of Malathion Poisoning can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others. Several systems of the body, such as the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, vascular system, urinary system, skin and ENT may be affected.

The signs and symptoms of Malathion Poisoning may include:

• Breathing difficulties; chest pain or tightness
• Headache, increased tearing from the eyes
• Sweating
• Increased salivation in the mouth
• Nausea, vomiting; diarrhea
• Stomach or abdominal pain (cramping pan)
• Urination difficulties
• Vision abnormalities including small-sized or enlarged pupils
• Lack of light sensitivity
• Increased or decreased heart-rate
• Increased or reduced blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension respectively)
• Feeling dizzy, confused, or agitated
• Bluish discoloration of the lips and beneath the fingernails
• Seizures
• Collapse and coma

How is First Aid administered for Malathion Poisoning?

First Aid tips for Malathion Poisoning:

• Call 911 or your local emergency help number immediately, for emergency assistance
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local poison control center) for further instructions
• Provide them with information such as the compound taken, quantity and time of ingestion, age, weight and general health status of affected individual
• Carefully remove the individual from the exposure area
• Confirm that the airways are protected; also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse
• If skin exposure or involvement of the eye has occurred, then wash thoroughly with copious amounts of water (for at least 15 minutes)
• Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
• Dispose contaminated clothing, while wearing protective gloves/gear, based on suitable instruction of the poison control center
• Always try to take the product bottle/container to the ER

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition:

• Decontaminate the individual before starting treatment (usually done by the first responders) 
• Gastric lavage for elimination of the substance from the stomach (irrigation using special solutions)
• Administer suitable medication to counter effects of the toxin
• Medically manage symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate and seizures
• Provide breathing support, if necessary
• Wash skin and eyes repeatedly and thoroughly (irrigation), to eliminate any remaining hazardous compound
• Administer fluids by an intravenous drip line

Who should administer First Aid for Malathion Poisoning?

First aid for Malathion Poisoning is administered by healthcare professionals.

• The individual who is affected, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number)
• They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow instructions

What is the Prognosis of Malathion Poisoning?

• The prognosis of Malathion Poisoning is dependent on the amount of substance consumed, time between consumption and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient
• If the individual can recover from the symptoms within 4-6 hours following the poisoning event, with appropriate medication and early support, the outcome is generally good
• In many cases, a complete recovery may take some time (weeks and months) and necessitate prolonged treatment
• In case of severe symptoms including abnormal heart rates, seizures, and coma, it may considerably worsen the outcome

In general, toxicities are common situations in the emergency departments. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given.

How can Malathion Poisoning be Prevented?

Malathion Poisoning can be prevented by:

• Keeping poisonous/hazardous chemicals and other materials out of children’s reach
• Always follow instructions for usage of any chemical products
• Using appropriate protective wear (hand gloves, face masks) when working with such chemicals
• Be aware of basic first aid steps in case of an emergency (such as inadvertent poisoning)

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening
• Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps
• It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:
  • Type, dosage and time of administration of medication
  • Age and weight of the individual
  • And, the overall health status of the individual