Phosphine toxicology and mode of action

Phosphine is a lethal metabolic toxin with a mode of action involving oxidative stress that depends on aerobic respiration. Phosphine gas is used as a fumigant to protect food commodities from insect pests. In countries with poorly regulated fumigation practices, recurring sublethal exposure causes serious headache and other symptoms that usually resolve without long term consequences. Industrial accidents can result in serious acute exposure that can cause long term neurological or pulmonary damage. Suicide attempts involving ingestion of phosphine tablets causes severe organ damage. Suicide attempts are usually successful due to the lack of an effective antidote.