ABSTRACT
Only two compounds from the group of dipyridiliums are used as pesticides — paraquat and diquat. Despite the irreversible lung effects produced by paraquat, these dipyridilium compounds are used in many countries. Paraquat and diquat are total contact herbicides. Paraquat is used as a dessicant and defoliant on certain crops: potato, sunflower, sugar-cane, and cotton. Paraquat and diquat enter the human body through oral, pulmonary, and dermal routes. In the organism, paraquat is circulated to all organs and tissues. The storage of paraquat is higher in the lungs, which accumulate paraquat in plasma. Lung damage is characterized by progressive fibroblastic proliferation in the alveolar walls, interstitial tissue, and bronchial epithelium. Later hyaline membrane forms, similar to that found in respiratory distress syndrome. P. Toner et al. describe the fine structure of lung tissue, obtained by biopsy, characterizing the early stage of paraquat damage.
