Paraquat is highly toxic to human and is widely used in agriculture as a contact herbicide. However, it is easily accessible in agricultural product shops. Seven cases of paraquat poisoning were treated in Tuen Mun Hospital from 1998–2005. The mortality (4 out of 7) was very high. One patient died after oral exposure to paraquat despite immunosuppressive and antioxidant therapies. The mechanism of toxicity and potential new therapies of paraquat poisoning are discussed in the article.
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