Acute Accidental Formic Acid Poisoning: A Common Problem Reported in Rubber Plantations in Sullia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Ingestion of formic acid, accidentally or with suicidal intention is a common problem among the workers in rubber plantations in Sullia. The diluted form of formic acid is used in coagulation of rubber latex. Sullia, a small town in South India, is well known for its rubber plantations. Easy accessibility to formic acid makes it susceptible to be used for committing suicide in this region. Also accidental ingestion are very common in these workers. Aim: To study a case report of accidental formic acid poisoning and its management. Intervention The patient was managed successfully by medical line of treatment. No gastric lavage or antidote was used in treatment and no vomiting induced. Nasogastric tube feeding was done and electrolyte imbalance was corrected. Conclusion Easy availability of formic acid should be curtailed by enforcing statutory limitations in its distribution and the complication of formic acid poisoning should be educated to these rubber workers. Patients with hematemesis or melena, after successful treatment, should be followed up with serial esophagogastroduodenoscopy for diagnosis and early treatment of strictures. How to cite this article Naik SM, Ravishankara S, Appaji MK, Goutham MK, Devi NP, Mushannavar AS, Naik SS. Acute Accidental Formic Acid Poisoning: A Common Problem Reported in Rubber Plantations in Sullia. Int J Head Neck Surg 2012;3(2):101-105.