Potassium permanganate is a strong chemical that is commonly used as a bactericidal and fungicidal in air wash systems, drinking water, and cooling towers. It is a strong oxidizing agent. Because of this, it can cause profound damage to the human body if it is ingested. Potassium permanganate affects almost all of the body's various systems, and poisoning often results in death.
Cardiovascular Collapse
Following an ingestion of potassium permanganate, you may experience a significant drop in blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too low, your vital organs will not be able to get enough oxygen. Low blood pressure caused by potassium permanganate poisoning often does not respond to treatment, according to a case report published in the August 1990 issue of "Postgraduate Medical Journal." Rapid heart rate, heart block, and complete cardiac arrest may also occur, and are usually fatal.
Hematological Symptoms
Potassium permanganate can negatively affect the blood, often causing disseminated intravascular coagulation and methemoglobinemia. In methemoglobinemia, changes in your blood occur that render it unable to properly carry oxygen throughout your body. Signs of methemoglobinemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, a bluish tinge to the skin and headache. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a condition in which small blot clots form throughout your body. This leads to abnormal bleeding, because it uses up your body's platelets. It is characterized by excessive bleeding, especially from the nose and gums, abnormal bruising and trouble breathing.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Due to its caustic nature, potassium permanganate poisoning almost always causes severe gastrointestinal trauma. It can cause ulcers to form in the stomach or intestines, which can lead to a fatal hemorrhage.This type of poisoning causes tissue death in the liver, and hemorrhaging of the pancreas and kidneys as well, according to a case report published in the January 1997 issue of "Journal of Accidental & Emergency Medicine." This type of damage presents as nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain.
Other Symptoms
Respiratory distress syndrome is a common result of potassium permanganate poisoning, and is characterized by confusion and extreme fatigue. Fluid may build up in the lungs, as well. Often, this kind of poisoning can cause the larynx to become swollen and irritated, making it impossible to breathe. Other symptoms include neurological symptoms, such as Parkinsonism, and burns to the lips and inside of the mouth.
References
- Cornell University; Potassium Permanganate Chemical Fact Sheet; September 1985
- "Postgraduate Medical Journal"; Haemorrhagic Pancreatitis - A Cause of Death in Severe Potassium Permanganate Poisoning; S. J. Middleton, et al.; August 1990
- "Journal of Accident & Emergency Medicine"; Potassium Permanganate Poisoning - A Rare Cause of Fatal Self Poisoning; K. L. Ong, et al.; January 1997
- "The Medical Journal of Australia"; Ingestion of Potassium Permanganate Crystals by a Three-Year-Old Boy; T Southwood, et al.; June 1987
- Medscape Reference; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Emergency Medicine; Joseph Becker, MD; April 2011
- PubMed Health: Methemoglobinemia
