ABSTRACT
Paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-dipyridinium dichloride; methyl viologen) is available in more than 100 countries and is sold in concentrated (up to 20 % w/v) form for professional use and as granules (2.5-8 % w/w) for use in the garden. Occupational poisoning has occurred by dermal absorption when concentrated spray solutions have leaked from backpacks, but in general paraquat is poorly absorbed through intact skin or from the respiratory tract. However, paraquat is sometimes used as a means of suicide by deliberate ingestion and has a high fatality rate. Deaths have also occurred from accidental ingestion of concentrates.
