How dangerous is mouse poison for humans? - briefly
Ingestion of rodenticide, particularly anticoagulant formulations, can cause rapid blood‑clotting failure and internal bleeding, making it potentially fatal even at low doses. Prompt medical treatment is essential to mitigate severe toxicity.
How dangerous is mouse poison for humans? - in detail
Mouse bait contains active ingredients that can be lethal to people if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. The most common compounds are anticoagulants (e.g., brodifacoum, difenacoum), neurotoxins (e.g., bromethalin), and metal phosphides (e.g., zinc phosphide). Each class has distinct toxicokinetics and clinical manifestations.
Acute poisoning occurs when a substantial amount enters the bloodstream quickly. Anticoagulants interfere with vitamin K recycling, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. Early signs include bruising, nosebleeds, and gum hemorrhage; later stages involve internal bleeding and shock. Bromethalin blocks mitochondrial function, causing rapid onset of tremors, seizures, and coma. Zinc phosphide releases phosphine gas in the stomach, producing respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and multi‑organ failure within hours.
The lethal dose varies by agent and individual susceptibility. For second‑generation anticoagulants, the estimated oral LD₅₀ for humans ranges from 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg of body weight. Bromethalin toxicity can manifest at doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg, while phosphine gas becomes fatal at concentrations above 200 ppm after short exposure. Children and pets are especially vulnerable due to lower body mass and higher likelihood of accidental ingestion.
Symptoms develop according to the exposure route:
- Ingestion: gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, abdominal pain, followed by system‑specific effects (bleeding, neurotoxicity, respiratory failure).
- Inhalation: irritation of mucous membranes, coughing, dyspnea; phosphine gas may cause rapid pulmonary collapse.
- Dermal contact: mild irritation for most compounds; severe cases involve systemic absorption of lipophilic anticoagulants.
Medical management requires immediate decontamination and targeted therapy. Activated charcoal can reduce absorption if administered within one hour of ingestion. Anticoagulant poisoning is treated with high‑dose vitamin K₁ (10 mg orally or intravenously every 6 hours) for several weeks, supplemented by blood products if bleeding is severe. Bromethalin lacks a specific antidote; supportive care focuses on seizure control and intracranial pressure monitoring. Phosphine exposure is managed with oxygen therapy, antioxidants, and aggressive supportive measures; no antidote exists.
Prevention strategies minimize risk:
- Store bait in locked containers away from food preparation areas.
- Use tamper‑resistant bait stations that restrict access to children and animals.
- Label all products clearly with hazard warnings and first‑aid instructions.
- Follow label‑specified application rates; avoid over‑application that increases environmental residue.
Regulatory agencies classify most rodent poisons as hazardous substances, imposing strict labeling, packaging, and disposal requirements. In many jurisdictions, professional licensure is required for large‑scale use, and residential applications are limited to low‑toxicity formulations.
Overall, rodent control products present a significant health danger when misused or accidentally encountered. Understanding the specific toxin, recognizing early clinical signs, and implementing prompt medical and preventive measures are essential to mitigate harm.