Family apparently trying to rid its home of roaches used an industrial-strength pesticide that released toxic fumes, killing two children and seriously sickening eight adults on Friday in Al-Rehab District here, authorities said. A 7-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy died at a hospital a short time after they were taken there along with the eight adults who were admitted in a serious condition at the International Medical Center and Suleiman Faqih Hospital. “The eight cases have received adequate treatment and they are now in stable condition,” said Sami Badawood, director of Jeddah Health Affairs. The pesticide, typically for large-scale industrial use, such as a grain warehouse, was applied early Friday in almost every room in the house, said Col. Muhammad Al-Qarni of Jeddah Civil Defense. The chemical, aluminum-phosphate with 65 percent concentration in the pesticide, released a toxic gas that the family inhaled, he added. Acting based on similar incidents, the Ministry of Health has previously asked other government authorities concerned to ban this type of pesticide from grocery stores, Badawood said. The commercial pesticide, however, is still available over the counter at big grocery stores, but it was unclear Friday where and how the family obtained it. A physician at the medical center said a comprehensive national policy should be framed focusing on pesticide use and monitoring of access to dangerous chemicals. “This type of pesticide should not be used indoor and customers are advised to read the label and instructions carefully before they buy,” said Col. Al-Qarni. Exposure to pesticides can cause heart palpitation, intestinal discomfort and severe chest pain, diarrhea, and even death, said Khaled Al-Husni, an ICU specialist. Similar six deaths have been reported this year: a Sudanese couple, two Egyptian children, and two Yemeni children fell victim to pesticides. – Okaz __
