Actively prevent paraquat poisoning
Unique Beef Paste Chili sauce,Fresh Beef Paste Chili Combo,Selected Beef Chili Sauce,Delicious beef sauce with rice Guizhou Guisanhong Food Co., Ltd , http://www.guisanhong.com
In the past two years, the incidence of paraquat poisoning has been on the rise, making it a growing public health concern. This article will focus on the toxic effects of paraquat and aim to raise awareness among farmers about its dangers.
Paraquat, also known as "Gramoxone" or "Blitz," is a contact herbicide belonging to the bipyridyl family. It was one of the first herbicides developed globally and has seen rapid growth in use in recent years. Due to its high efficiency, low dosage, and quick action, it has gained popularity among farmers. However, its high toxicity has led to restrictions in many countries, while it remains widely used in China.
Paraquat is typically sold as a 20% to 50% aqueous solution, which can enter the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or digestive system. Oral ingestion is the most common route of poisoning, with a lethal dose ranging from 5 to 10 milliliters. Symptoms usually appear within five days, including oral and esophageal ulcers. By day five to eight, patients may experience fever, tachycardia, shortness of breath, or even respiratory failure. A dose of 30 mg/kg or more can lead to severe pulmonary edema and hemoptysis within 48 hours. Pulmonary fibrosis often leads to respiratory and circulatory failure, which is the main cause of death. The mortality rate is extremely high, reaching around 90%.
If someone accidentally ingests paraquat, immediate action is crucial. There is currently no specific antidote for paraquat poisoning, so the primary goal is to prevent absorption, speed up excretion, and manage symptoms. Gastric lavage with an alkaline solution, such as activated charcoal or citric acid, should be performed as soon as possible to reduce absorption. Magnesium sulfate, glycol, and rhubarb may help increase excretion.
Lung-protective agents like superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraquat monoclonal antibodies, and high-dose vitamins C and E are recommended to neutralize free radicals and protect lung tissue. Mechanical ventilation may also be necessary to improve oxygenation and reduce lung damage. Blood perfusion is another critical intervention, especially if the patient survives beyond 48 hours, as delayed treatment increases the risk of multi-organ failure.
According to the Chinese national standard GB (implemented on June 1, 2004), all paraquat formulations must include an emetic agent, specifically PP796 (triazolyssoxime). However, some manufacturers fail to meet these standards, either omitting the emetic or using insufficient amounts, leading to increased absorption and higher risk of poisoning. Lack of awareness about its dangers further contributes to the problem.
In terms of environmental impact, the current emission standards for pyridine and paraquat ions are set at 5 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. Some companies, like Xinyuan, have adopted stricter standards, setting pyridine emissions at 2 mg/L and paraquat ion at 0.03 mg/L. Existing companies can upgrade their treatment systems to meet new regulations, while special areas impose even tighter limits—1 mg/L for pyridine and 0.01 mg/L for paraquat.
To reduce the risk of poisoning, stronger regulation and public education on the safe handling and use of paraquat are essential. Awareness campaigns should emphasize the dangers of misuse and the importance of following safety protocols. Only through combined efforts can we minimize the harm caused by this highly toxic herbicide.