Percutaneous paraquat absorption. An association with cutaneous lesions and respiratory failure

Abstract

Striking cutaneous lesions and death owing to respiratory failure occurred in a middle-aged woman 8 wk after initial cutaneous contact with the herbicide paraquat (1,1''-dimethyl-4,4''-dipyridylium dichloride). While similar changes were described in animals, serious morbidity or mortality owing to percutaneous absorption was not described in man. The extreme toxicity of this herbicide was illustrated and demonstrated that lethal quantities of the drug may be absorbed from apparently trivial skin wounds. Stricter precautions, including the mandatory use of protective clothing, should be recommended whenever this material is used.