Rapid Communication: Postmortem Distribution of Organophosphate Insecticides in Human Autopsy Tissues Following Suicide

Abstract

Organophosphate insecticides (OP) are used widely in Turkey and are the most common agent employed for suicidal poisoning. At present there are limited data available on the distribution of OP in humans, and the aim of the study was to report insecticide concentrations in human autopsy tissues. With the use of gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorous detector, the levels of fat, liver, and blood OP were determined from 32 suicide victims. In all cases OP were present and usually more than one OP was found. The concentration of OP was highest in fat and least in blood. Even 20 d postmortem OP could be detected in human autopsy tissues, but the correlation to fat content and mortality needs to be addressed.