CHEMICAL POISONING

Recently, details about a couple of incidents came out which revolves around the multiple
fatalities of people, especially children due to chemical poisoning. One such incident was the
death of a 10-year-old Pakistani boy in Sharjah on May 2019 which has been confirmed due to a
chemical poisoning from pesticide.

Following the investigation, it was found that the tenant in the neighborhood of the flat of the
victim used an unregulated and highly toxic pesticide that contained aluminum phosphide,
which can cause shock, heart inflammation and multiple organ failure.

The boy died after inhaling the toxic gas when it leaked through the air-conditioning system
into his apartment as a result of its illegal use.

Authorities have warned against the use of pesticides in residential premises which are not
permitted by the municipality and have urged the public to use only approved and licensed
pesticide companies. The substance releases a highly toxic phosphine gas when exposed to
warm and moist conditions. The boy’s twin sister and parents had also been hospitalized due to
inhalation of the same substance. Tests carried out on samples collected from materials found
inside the apartment confirmed phosphine. They then found 32 aluminum phosphide tablets in
the adjacent flat.

Municipality posters warning against the use of unlicensed pesticides had already been posted
in buildings across the emirate but authorities say tenants often ignore such notifications. Initial
symptoms of the toxicity like nausea, vomiting and severe lethargy are similar to food
poisoning, so that most of the cases go unattended without knowing the severity .

The general publics have to check with their municipality to get a list of licensed companies,
they should never attempt to do pest control by themselves.