Context:

A 24-year-old woman was sentenced to death by a Thiruvananthapuram court after being found guilty of poisoning her boyfriend in 2022 using a chemical herbicide called paraquat.

What is Paraquat?

Paraquat (paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen) is a widely used herbicide for controlling weed growth and desiccating crops before harvest. Classified as moderately hazardous by the WHO, paraquat is banned in over 70 countries, including China and the European Union, due to its toxicity. Despite this, it remains prevalent in the US and India, with the US usage doubling to 11 million pounds annually between 2014 and 2018. The US EPA warns that even a small sip can be fatal.

How Does Paraquat Poisoning Occur?

Paraquat poisoning occurs primarily through ingestion but can also happen via skin contact or inhalation. The chemical spreads quickly through the body, damaging organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Paraquat enters cells through "active transport," allowing it to penetrate deeply into tissues.

Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning

The severity of poisoning depends on the amount, exposure method, and pre-existing health conditions.

• Small Doses: Symptoms appear over days or weeks, causing damage to vital organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
• Large Doses: Immediate symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling in the mouth and throat, bloody diarrhea, and nausea. Acute kidney failure, rapid heart rate, respiratory failure, and death can follow.

Treatments for Paraquat Poisoning

There is no known antidote for paraquat poisoning, but treatments like activated charcoal or Fuller’s earth can help bind the chemical if taken immediately.

·        Hospital treatments such as immunosuppression and charcoal hemoperfusion have been explored but are not widely available.

·        The CDC recommends removing contaminated clothing, avoiding contact with it, and washing the exposed skin with soap and water.

Regulation and Usage Restrictions

• In the US: Paraquat is only available to licensed commercial users, with added safeguards like a blue dye to distinguish it from other liquids and a vomiting agent to reduce accidental ingestion.
• In India: Paraquat is regulated under the Insecticides Act of 1968 and approved for use on specific crops. However, its use is often unregulated, with paraquat sold without proper prescriptions. Farmers handle it without protective equipment, increasing exposure risks.

Conclusion: The unregulated sale, improper storage, and lack of training on safe use increase the risk of poisoning. There is a need for better enforcement of safety measures and education for farmers on the safe handling of paraquat.