By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Pesticide poisoning, known as organophosphate was responsible for the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, health minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Monday.
Motsoaledi said the investigation conducted by their toxicologist revealed that the children “unequivocally” died of organophosphate poisoning.
Motsoaledi said this during a media briefing in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
Organophosphates are a class of chemicals usually used for agricultural purposes, medications, and nerve agents.
After investigating three possible causes of death, toxicologists identified the specific chemical responsible.
“Looking at the signs and symptoms of the children we settled on the chemical agent, “Motsoaledi said.
The minister revealed that laboratory tests provided definitive results.
“The organophosphate identified in this instance is called terbufos. All the six children died of terbufos injection,” he said.
Terbufos is found in pesticides.
Health authorities are currently analysing samples from local spaza shops to determine the source of the deadly chemical.
A packet of chips found in one victim’s pocket tested negative for organophosphate contamination.
Medical experts identified several symptoms of organophosphate poisoning.
Severe diarrhea, vomiting, foaming at the mouth and nose, tears readily flowing from the eyes without crying, and constant urination were among the listed signs and symptoms of organophosphate toxicity.
The department provided healthcare guidance to practitioners.
“Apart from supportive treatment well known by doctors and nurses, we wish to advise that the antidote of Organophosphate and Carbamate poisoning is Intra-venous atropine injection; – we also wish to advise that if faced with the possible Organophosphate poisoning, doctors also need to use Afritox. This is an App designed by the poisoning centre, which will advise them step-by-step on what to do.”
Motsoaledi said the health department suspects the chemical entered spaza shops as a rodent control measure, possibly as an illegal substitute for ratex.
Additionally, Motsoaledi stressed that organophosphates require certification and should only be used in agricultural settings, away from domesticated settings
The health department called for stricter regulation of spaza shops, emphasizing that rental space occupants should not produce food for public consumption without proper authorization.
Four people were arrested last week at a Johanensburg mall for possession of a chemical called aldicarb – which is not the organophosphate which killed the Soweto children.
Gauteng provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said the four people were arrested during an integrated operation that brought together different State agencies.
“We were in Naledi and the chemicals were found. Then we were led to a mall in Johannesburg. In that mall we found four individuals who were subsequently arrested. The question is what for? The suspects were arrested and charges for selling among other things fertilizer, farm feed, agricultural remedy, stock remedy which were not registered,” said Mthombeni.
Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, said there are measures in place to regulate micro-businesses.
“Our intervention extends beyond regulation enforcement in support of government. We are in the process of developing a township and rural economic development policy which is being consulted currently across the country.
“There is a need for decisive interventions to address expired and unsafe food and ensure compliance with business and health standards which is both urgent and critical.”