Aluminum phosphide poisoning - all true except

Aluminum phosphide (Celphos) toxicity appears to be due to release of PHOSPHINE on contact with moisture. This phosphine gas due to noncompetitive inhibition of cytochrome oxidase system of mitochondria or damage by free radicals causes' global hypoxia. Significant inhibition of cytochrome-c oxidase activity can be found in ALP-poisoned patients. Organs with the greatest oxygen requirements appear to be especially sensitive to phosphine, including the brain, kidneys, heart, and liver. Phosphine has a characteristic odor described as "decaying fish. Cardiac dysrhythmias probably secondary to electrolyte imbalances have been described in sub-lethal acute exposures. Transient atrial fibrillation and sub-endocardial infarction, adrenocortical injury with elevated serum cortisol levels have been reported.