Zinc Phosphide - Chemical Poisons

Zinc Phosphide

Physical Appearance

Zinc phosphide is available as dark grey tetragonal crystals or crystalline powder marketed under various trade names (Agrophos, Commando, Sudarshan, Ratoff, Ratol, Robart, etc.). It has a repulsive odour of rotten fish.

Uses

Rodenticide

Usual Fatal Dose

About 2 to 4 grams.

Mode of Action, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Treatment and Autopsy Features

Same as for aluminium phosphide.

Forensic Issues

Accidental and suicidal poisonings have been reported involving the consumption of rat pastes containing zinc phosphide. Some of these brands are marketed in tubes that look very similar to toothpaste tubes leading to accidental use (Fig 8.6).