Introduction :
Paraquat is a N,N2-dimethyl-4,42-bipyridinium dichloride (systematic name), an organic compound with the chemical formula [(C6H7N)2]Cl2. It is classified as a viologen, a family of redox-active heterocycles of similar structure. It is widely used in our country and is a highly toxic compound.
It was first discovered in 1950 and used in agriculture by 1962. It is rapidly absorbed by aerial plants and immediately inactivated in contact with the clay in the soil, leaving minimal residue. Being cheap and effective, paraquat is unregulatedly used in third world countries as herbicide.
Paraquat is commercially available in Bangladesh as a bio-pesticide in 2 formulations - 20% paraquat and 20% paraquat plus 41% glyphosate combination. As paraquat is widely available in rural Bangladesh for its agricultural use, it has grown to be the major medium of self-harm over the years.1
Paraquat poisoning can manifest as acute and chronic toxicity. The acute effects can result in both local and systemic manifestations. Local effects include ulceration of the skin, lips, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. Systemic effects involve multiple organ failure, including liver insufficiency, acute kidney injury, respiratory failure, and convulsions.2