Chemical poisoning – not foodborne illness – is now being investigated as a possible cause of death of a German-Turkish family in Istanbul last week.
This has brought the role of phosphine-producing pesticides back into focus, and follows several similar incidents in Türkiye and around the world.
local newspaper cumhuriyet Now preliminary findings have been reported from forensic analysis conducted on samples taken from the bodies of a mother and her two children who died between November 13 and 14. The deceased’s father and husband passed away on 17 November.
“Preliminarily, it is believed that he died as a result of chemical poisoning due to the conditions at the hotel where he stayed,” excerpts from the preliminary report said.
Pathological examination of the victims’ bodies as well as microbiological (for the presence of disease-causing pathogens), toxicological (for the presence of toxins) and chemical analyzes are still to be conducted.
Initially, the family was suspected of having suffered food poisoning from eating at several street food vendors in Istanbul’s popular Ortaköy district, and several people associated with local food providers visited by the family were arrested. However food poisoning is no longer considered a likely cause of his death.
Handle with care: Deadly pesticides need to be used with care
The evacuation of the hotel in Fatih district, where the family was staying before being hospitalized, raised the possibility of chemical poisoning.
Reports revealed that pesticides used to control bedbug infestations had leaked into the family room through the hotel’s ventilation system. This is yet to be confirmed by the authorities.
Nevertheless, this suggestion has once again raised concerns about the use of industrial chemicals in settings that may pose high risks to human life.
Such chemicals include metallic phosphides, which are effective as pest controllers but can cause serious illness and death if mishandled.
One such pesticide is aluminum phosphide (ALP), which is reportedly used in hotels.
ALP is a chemical compound commonly used in grain stores to kill insects and prevent crop damage. It is used away from humans, such as inside rodent burrows. It is licensed for agricultural use in Türkiye and several other countries.
When exposed to moisture in the air, the solid chemical reacts and releases phosphine gas, which is lethal to animals. Early symptoms of poisoning include vomiting or coughing up blood. It was reported that the deceased’s family had experienced these symptoms.
Cavit Isik Yavuz, a public and environmental health physician at Hacettepe University, told DW that ALP is generally not permitted for home use.
“According to Turkish law, ALP can be used as a plant protection product in storage facilities for products such as grain, wheat and maize, but not in areas defined as public health areas such as homes, hotels and workplaces. [Turkish] The Health Ministry monitors the use of biocides in areas defined as public health areas,” Yavuz said recently. co-authored a report To review the correct use and management of the compound.
Phosphine is not recommended for pest control
Although phosphate pesticides are recommended for large grain stores and applied only by licensed professionals, the chemical is often diluted to reduce risk to workers and the public.
“Regulations and inspections as well as individuals’ awareness of biocidal products require them to be aware of the potential dangers of these products,” Yavuz said. “Trained professionals must apply the correct products to the appropriate locations while taking the necessary precautions.”
Like Türkiye, many countries ban the use of metal phosphide to remove bedbugs.
But enforcement and control of these substances can be limited, and products such as ALP have been used extensively to deal with rodents and insects in middle- and low-income countries.
Turkey has seen deaths due to misuse of ALP before. In 2023, one case of its use for bedbug control resulted in the death of a mother, a child, and the hospitalization of 10 people. Other incidents of suspected ALP poisoning were recorded in 2024.
And other cases have also been reported around the world. In 2015, a similar bedbug control incident using ALP illegally imported from Pakistan in a Canadian apartment killed two children and hospitalized four other family members.
Bed bug control is possible with simple hygiene
Health agencies around the world have different guidelines for controlling bed bugs, which are small, flat, and red blood-sucking insects.
Mostly, they recommend keeping bedrooms clean and clutter-free, as these insects like to live in tight spaces.
Bed bugs can commonly be found in mattress folds, around bed frames, on bedroom furniture, and in cracks in floors and walls.
In addition to professional pest controllers, good bedroom hygiene can also help prevent infestations.
While folk and home remedies such as vinegar sprays and essential oils are sometimes suggested, there is little scientific evidence for their effectiveness.
The most reliable method of controlling bed bugs, recommended by most health authorities, is to regularly wash and dry bedroom linens at high temperatures, vacuum bedsheets, bed frames and mattresses, and steam infested areas of the bedroom at 50°C (120°F).
If professionals are used, ensuring they use approved and human-safe pesticides is also a good idea.
Edited by: Maren Sass