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1344172 
Journal Article 
Pediatric ingestion of ant bait gel results in arsenic toxicity 
Caravati, EM; Stromness, JR; Crouch, BI; Yarris, JP; Mckeown, NJ; Horowitz, BZ 
2008 
1 
Clinical Toxicology
ISSN: 1556-3650
EISSN: 1556-9519 
46 
5 
418 
WOS:000256917000305 
Objective: An ant insecticide trap may contain arsenic trioxide 0.46% in a sweet tasting sugar and protein gel base that attracts ants. Each trap contains approximately 9.9 grams of gel (45 mg arsenic trioxide). The gel is enclosed in a metal container with a small hole for insect access and designed to prevent children from ingesting the contents. The objective of this report is to describe the clinical effects associated with six pediatric exposures to ant traps containing arsenic trioxide. Case series: Six children (mean age, 24 months; range, 8 months-4 years) ingested all or part of the contents of an arsenic ant trap found in each child’s home (estimated dose range, 5–45 mg AsO3). In four cases the gel had been removed by an adult for easier ant access, one child opened the container with his teeth, and the method of access was unknown in one case. All children vomited shortly after exposure and were referred to the hospital; one had diarrhea. Initial spot or 24-hour urine total arsenic concentrations before chelation ranged from 2,040 mcg/L to 13,981 mcg/L (mean, 8,546 mcg/L; reference range 0–35 mcg/L). Three patients received a 19-day course of succimer therapy, two patients received a 10-day succimer course and one was started on succimer but was lost to follow-up. Post-chelation urine total arsenic concentrations ranged from 26 mcg/L to 54 mcg/L in 5 patients
(mean 41.2 mcg/L). None of the 5 patients who were followed developed alopecia or neuropathy at 2–5 weeks post exposure. All six patients had potentially dangerous urine concentrations of arsenic. Conclusion: Ingestion of the gel base contents of an arsenic ant bait by six children resulted in very elevated urine arsenic concentrations. Vomiting was a consistent initial symptom and no longterm toxicity was noted. The effectiveness of chelation therapy for these exposures is unknown.