Ammonium dichromate poisoning: A case report

Death due to ammonium dichromate has been rarely reported in medical literature. On ingestion, initially there is a relative lack of severe symptoms and signs. Hence, there is usually some delay before the affected person seeks medical attention. Ammonium dichromate is however quite toxic, and death occurs due to multi-organ failure in substantial ingestions. Anuria is often the earliest manifestation of serious systemic toxicity. Screen-printing and coloring works are the usual sources of exposure in dichromate poisoning. The diagnosis of dichromate poisoning depends mainly on the history, and clinical and postmortem findings. Chemical analysis utilizing conventional equipment may not be helpful.