What happened and why does it matter? Following the San Andrés case, we are reviewing documented cases of phosphine poisoning linked to the use of metal phosphides (for example, aluminum phosphide) in fumigations. The objective is to contextualize risks, safe practices required by regulations, and previous experiences verified by health and judicial authorities.
What is phosphine and how does it work? Phosphine (PH₃) is a highly toxic gas released when formulations containing metal phosphides react with moisture. Acute exposure can cause respiratory and neurological symptoms and, at high levels, can be fatal. Health authorities describe nonspecific early signs (cough, headache, nausea) and serious effects that may appear later, such as pulmonary edema. See toxicological guidelines and official data sheets in "Sources Cited."
Regulations and safety (general principles). Internationally, labels and manuals for phosphide products require fumigation management plans (FMPs), adequate sealing of the premises, hazard signage, and re-entry control below exposure thresholds (e.g., 0.3 ppm as the 8-hour TWA for phosphine in EPA material). Use is restricted to certified applicators, and fumigation of residential structures or other prohibited sites is strictly prohibited. (See "Sources Cited" for details.)
Colombia: Reference framework. Decree 1843 of 1991 regulates the use and handling of pesticides for sanitary purposes in buildings and stored products, including registration requirements and the liability of health authorities; Decree 1076 of 2015 (Title 7) establishes environmental measures for the safe handling of pesticides. The National Institute of Health (INS) maintains guidelines for the notification and management of acute chemical poisonings. (See official links in "Sources Cited").
2010 Case Study (United States, Utah): Following infant deaths associated with phosphine release from the use of aluminum phosphide in a residential setting, the EPA strengthened restrictions and labeling of metal phosphide products, prohibiting their use on residential properties and sensitive sites and imposing strict conditions for professional use. Although the specific investigation was reported by local press, the regulatory change and the prohibitions are documented in subsequent official documents and labels.
Case 2012–2015 (Thailand/Canada): An investigation by the Quebec coroner's office (Canada) concluded that the deaths of two tourists in 2012 were likely linked to poisoning from a pesticide used against bedbugs; Canadian media reported that the cause may have been phosphine released from phosphides. Although there was technical controversy, the coroner's file indicated pesticide poisoning as the probable cause. (See coroner's note cited by reliable media in "Sources Cited").
2017 Case (Amarillo, Texas): A domestic incident involving phosphine generated by aluminum phosphide prompted an emergency response. An official analysis (MMWR/CDC) documented exposure among 51 first responders and highlighted the inadequate use of respiratory protection during the rescue. This case illustrated the need for strict protocols and proper equipment when chemical releases are suspected.
Case 2021–2024 (London, UK): In 2024, a British court convicted a neighbor of negligent homicide after using illegally imported aluminum phosphide to treat bedbugs; the phosphine gas leaked into neighboring homes and caused the death of a child in 2021. Coverage was provided by highly credible media outlets and included the court's decision, which confirmed the danger of unauthorized uses.
Common operational lessons. 1) Only in sealed enclosures and under FMP: Manuals and labels require airtight enclosures, signage, and concentration control before re-entry. 2) Prohibitions on use in residences and sensitive locations: Multiple regulatory documents expressly state this. 3) Training and PPE: Official evidence recommends strict adherence to protocols, especially for chemical incident response. 4) Reporting and surveillance: Pesticide poisonings must be reported to health authorities according to local guidelines.
Implications for tourism establishments and logistics chains. Phosphine is primarily used on grains and stored goods or in fumigation of containers under controlled conditions. Its application in areas occupied by people or without adequate sealing violates regulations and poses a serious risk. Audits, documentary verification of pest control providers, and compliance with fumigation plans are key measures for prevention.
Sources cited:
1) CDC/ATSDR. ToxFAQs™: Phosphine (ES). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/es/toxfaqs/es_tfacts177.html
2) UK Health Security Agency. Phosphine: toxicological overview (2024). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phosphine-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/phosphine-toxicological-overview
3) U.S. EPA. Phosphine Fumigant Labeling Q&A / Labels and FMP. https://archive.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/web/pdf/fumigation_qa.pdf
4) U.S. EPA. Labels and Review Decisions (Examples): PESTPHOS (2022) and Residential Restrictions. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/092448-00003-20220223.pdf
5) EPA Docket (2020): Prohibition on fumigating residential properties with phosphine/phosphides. https://downloads.regulations.gov/EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0081-0039/content.pdf
6) USDA AMS. Fumigation Handbook (sealing and enclosures). https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FumigationHB.pdf
7) CDC/MMWR. Phosphine Exposure Among Emergency Responders — Amarillo, Texas (2017). https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6713a2.htm
8) The Guardian (2024): Sentenced for death of minor after illegal use of phosphide (London). https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/18/london-woman-who-killed-neighbour-11-with-bedbug-poison-spared-jail
9) Global News (2015): Quebec coroner's report on Thailand case (2012). https://globalnews.ca/news/1858397/quebec-sisters-deaths-likely-caused-by-pesticide-intoxication-coroner/
10) Colombia — Decree 1843 of 1991: Use and handling of pesticides. https://www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co/sisjur/normas/Norma1.jsp?i=114357
11) Colombia — Decree 1076/2015 (Title 7: Pesticide Management). https://quimicos.minambiente.gov.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/4.-Decreto-1076-de-2015-TITULO-7-Manejo-de-plaguicidas.pdf
12) INS (2024). Guidelines: Acute poisoning by chemical substances. https://www.ins.gov.co/buscador-eventos/Lineamientos/Pro_Intoxicaciones%20agudas%20por%20sustancias%20qu%C3%ADmicas%202024.pdf