By Taylor Riedley, Biology, ‘20

Author’s Note: I wrote this paper for my UWP 102B class with Dr. Brenda Rinard in Winter Quarter 2019. For the preliminary stage of an assignment, I reviewed primary research on metal phosphide poisoning and wrote a formal paper geared towards a medical audience. For the final stage, I translated my formal paper into this one, intending it for a curious though not necessarily scientific audience. I chose this topic because I am considering an occupation in forensic pathology, and while I searched for articles about pathological findings, I came across an autopsy of a victim of metal phosphide poisoning. I was struck by the discrepancy between the general outward symptoms and the lethal organ damage of phosphide patients. I was further appalled when I learned that metal phosphides are within ready reach of children. I viewed this paper as an opportunity to draw attention to the need for more research on metal phosphides, and especially in this more accessible incarnation, to encourage readers to advocate for those who are not given the information necessary to stay safe.

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