Paraquat Poisoning

History of paraquat intoxication; paraquat usage - environmental fate and effects; epidemiology of paraquat poisoning; paraquat and diquat exposures reported to US poison centers 1983-1992; measurement of lipid peroxidation - a critical review; the chemistry of paraquat and its radical; pathophysiology and biochemical mechanisms of the pulmonary toxicity of paraquat; mechanisms of paraquat toxicity and therapeutic implications; toxicokinetics of paraquat; paraquat ingestion exposure - symptomatology and risk; paraquat poisoning by inhalation or skin adsorption; genetic, carcinogenic, and reproductive effects of paraquat; occupational health and safety considerations in paraquat handling; human paraquat toxicology - prognostic factors; predictive value of early plasma paraquat concentrations; analytical procedures and predictive value of late plasma and urine paraquat concentrations; treatment of paraquat poisoning - gastrointestinal decontamination; treatment of paraquat poisoning - modification of toxicokinetics; treatment of paraquat poisoning; paraquat formulation and safety management; pulmonary sequelae in paraquat poisoning survivors.