title: An evaluation of childhood deaths in Turkey due to yellow phosphorus in firecrackers.
abstract: 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.
authors: The Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey.
authors: Riza
authors: R
authors: Yilmaz
authors: Eyyüp
authors: E
authors: Yilmaz
authors: Veli
authors: V
authors: Ozdemir
authors: Muhammet
authors: M
authors: Can
authors: Isil
authors: I
authors: Pakis
authors: Ibrahim E
authors: IE
authors: Piskin
authors: Halis
authors: H
authors: Dokgoz
authors: Erdal
authors: E
authors: Ozer
authors: Kemal V
authors: KV
authors: Numanoglu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000506:poisoning*; D014421:Turkey
chemical_list: D053834:Explosive Agents; D010758:Phosphorus
keywords: autopsy; childhood deaths; firecracker; forensic science; intoxication; toxic hepatitis; yellow phosphorus