Distribution of dimethoate in the body after a fatal organphosphateintoxication

Many organophosphate pesticides (OPs) such as dimethoate are used to eradicate household pests, and those occurring in agriculture and forestry sectors. Combinations of two or more different insecticides have been manufactured to increase their effectiveness. A case of death is presented as suspected organophosphates intoxication. Autopsy was unremarkable except for grayish fluid in the stomach, with garlicky odor. A systematic toxicological analysis on post-mortem specimens revealed high concentrations of dimethoate in blood 38 mu g/mL, urine 0.47 mu g/mL, brain 2.2 mu g/g, myocardial muscle 7.6 mu Lg/g, liver 4.6 mu g/g, lung 7.6 mu g/g, skeletal muscle 21 mu g/g, kidney 55 mu g/g and gall bladder 31 mu g/g. glood alcohol was 2.85 g/L, cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol were also detected in the blood but not quantified. The cause of death was determined as organophosphate intoxication. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.