An Evaluation of Childhood Deaths in Turkey Due to Yellow Phosphorus in Firecrackers

• Riza Yilmaz ^[1] ; Eyyup Yilmaz ^[6] ; Veli Ozdemir ^[6] ; Muhammet Can ^[2] ; Isil Pakis ^[3] ; Ibrahim E. Piskin ^[1] ; Halis Dokgoz ^[4] ; Erdal Ozer ^[5] ; Kemal V. Numanoglu ^[1]
  1. [1] Bülent Ecevit University

     Bülent Ecevit University

     Turquía

     
  2. [2] Balıkesir University

     Balıkesir University

     Turquía

     
  3. [3] Acıbadem University

     Acıbadem University

     Turquía

     
  4. [4] Mersin University

     Mersin University

     Turquía

     
  5. [5] Gaziosmanpaşa University

     Gaziosmanpaşa University

     Turquía

     
  6. [6] The Council of Forensic Medicine Istanbul Turkey

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• Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 60, Nº. 3, 2015, págs. 648-652
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • 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.