What are the complications of ingesting an acid-based organic fertilizer?

From the Guidelines

Ingesting an acid-based organic fertilizer can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, including chemical burns, metabolic acidosis, and organ damage, necessitating immediate medical intervention. The complications arising from such ingestion are multifaceted and can affect various bodily systems.

• Chemical burns to the mucosal lining of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach are common, resulting in symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain.
• Systemic effects can include metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood becomes too acidic, potentially leading to irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), confusion, and in severe cases, organ failure [ 1 ].
• Some acid-based fertilizers may contain heavy metals or other toxic substances that can cause additional harm by damaging the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
• It is crucial not to induce vomiting in someone who has ingested an acid-based fertilizer, as this can exacerbate the damage by causing the caustic substance to pass through the esophagus and throat again.
• Instead, the person should rinse their mouth with water, and unless advised by a medical professional, avoid consuming milk or taking antacids, as these measures might not be appropriate for all types of fertilizer ingestions.
• The primary course of action should be to seek emergency medical care immediately, where treatment can be tailored to the specific needs of the patient, including neutralizing the acid, managing pain, preventing infection, and supporting any affected organ systems.
• The severity and nature of the complications can vary widely depending on the composition, concentration, and amount of the fertilizer ingested, with children being at a higher risk due to their smaller body size and potentially higher vulnerability to toxic effects.

From the Research

Complications of Ingesting Acid-Based Organic Fertilizer

• The ingestion of acid-based organic fertilizer can lead to serious health complications, including life-threatening conditions 2.
• Hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and ECG changes are potential complications that can arise from the intentional ingestion of liquid fertilizer 2.
• While organic fertilizers are considered a safer alternative to inorganic fertilizers, they can still pose health risks, including infections and diarrhea 3.
• The effects of acid-based organic fertilizer ingestion on human health are not well-studied, and more research is needed to understand the potential risks and complications 3.

Potential Health Risks

• Inorganic fertilizers have been associated with an increased risk of cancerous outcomes, while organic fertilizers have been linked to infections and diarrhea 3.
• The use of organic fertilizers can also lead to the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can pose a threat to human health and environmental safety 4.
• Composting can reduce the abundance and diversity of ARGs in organic fertilizers, but it may not completely eliminate the risk of ARG transmission 4.

Exposure Routes

• Incidental oral ingestion is a potential exposure route for humans to soil contaminants, including fluoride, which can be present in acid-based organic fertilizers 5.
• The bioaccessibility of fluoride in the human gastrointestinal tract can vary depending on the type of fertilizer and the presence of other compounds 5.