What is Celphos
Celphos Poisoning and Lipid Emulsion Therapy: Celphos is the commonly used trade name for Aluminium phosphide, a highly toxic pesticide. It is mainly used as a grain fumigant to protect stored food grains from pests. Upon exposure to moisture, it releases phosphine gas, which is extremely poisonous.
Static GK fact: Aluminium phosphide tablets are usually greyish-white and emit a garlic-like odour due to phosphine gas release.
Nature of Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning
Aluminium phosphide poisoning generally occurs through ingestion or inhalation. Once ingested, it reacts with gastric acid and moisture, producing phosphine gas inside the body. This gas rapidly spreads to vital organs.
Phosphine inhibits cellular respiration by blocking mitochondrial enzymes. This leads to severe metabolic acidosis, circulatory collapse, and multi-organ failure.
Why Celphos is Highly Lethal
There is no specific antidote for aluminium phosphide poisoning. Even a small dose can be fatal within a few hours. Mortality rates remain very high despite aggressive supportive care.
Static GK Tip: Aluminium phosphide is classified as a restricted-use pesticide in India, but accidental and intentional poisonings still occur.
Public Health Dimension in India
Celphos poisoning remains a serious public health issue in agricultural regions. States such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh report frequent cases due to easy availability in rural markets.
Its low cost and widespread agricultural use increase the risk of misuse. Poisoning cases often overwhelm rural emergency healthcare facilities.
Breakthrough with Lipid Emulsion Therapy
Doctors have recently demonstrated a major breakthrough using Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy in treating Celphos poisoning. This therapy was earlier used mainly for local anaesthetic and cardiac drug toxicity.
Lipid emulsion acts as a lipid sink, trapping toxic substances and reducing their bioavailability. In Celphos poisoning, it appears to stabilize cardiac function and improve survival chances.
Clinical Significance of the New Therapy
Early administration of intravenous lipid emulsion has shown improved hemodynamic stability. Patients receiving this therapy demonstrated better blood pressure control and reduced cardiac toxicity.
This development offers new hope in a condition historically associated with extremely poor outcomes.
Static GK fact: Intravenous lipid emulsion was first introduced into clinical practice in the late 20th century for drug overdose management.
Way Forward
While lipid emulsion therapy is promising, it is not a substitute for prevention. Strict regulation of aluminium phosphide sales and increased awareness are essential.
Strengthening emergency toxicology care in rural hospitals remains a key priority.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Celphos Poisoning and Lipid Emulsion Therapy:
| Topic | Detail |
| Celphos | Common name for aluminium phosphide pesticide |
| Mode of toxicity | Release of phosphine gas on contact with moisture |
| Primary use | Grain fumigant in agriculture |
| Affected regions | Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nature of poisoning | Rapid multi-organ failure |
| Traditional treatment | Supportive care only |
| New development | Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy |
| Clinical benefit | Improved cardiac and circulatory stability |
| Public health issue | High mortality in rural India |
