Deadly pesticide mix being sold in Dubai

The aluminium phosphide pesticide, which usually comes in unmarked sealed plastic, is designed for fumigating large open agricultural areas and is deadly when used in homes.

At least eight people have been killed and more than 200 poisoned in the UAE over the past two years as a result of contact with the chemical’s fumes.

Dubai Municipality has warned that deadly black-market pesticides are circulating in the emirate.

Aluminium phosphide, which comes as grey-coloured tablets or powder, reacts with moisture in the air sending out a deadly gas to kill rats and insects.

It’s understood there are only 20 companies in the UAE who are licensed to handle the pesticide, but it is commonly sold on the black market.

Yesterday, Hisham Abdul Rahman Al Yahya, head of Dubai’s pest control, said: “Consumers are buying aluminium phosphide from individuals not licensed to sell it or qualified to use it. Misuse may result in poisoning or death.”

Three years ago two five-month-old triplets died after their next-door neighbour called in a company to spray his apartment with pesticides. The third triplet survived after emergency hospital treatment.

The pesticide company had asked the apartment owner to stay away, but failed to inform neighbours.