Sodium chlorate Sodium chlorate is a powerful oxidising agent that is widely available for use as a herbicide. It is a white crystalline substance similar in appearance to table sugar, accounting for some cases accidental ingestion. The compound is dissolved in water before application to plants and poisoning has been reported after inhalation of atomised droplets of the solution. Initial toxic effects are due to the irritant effect of chloride ions on the GI mucosa following absorption. The oxidation of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin leads to intravascular haemolysis and methemoglobinemia.
Sodium chlorate is also a potent nephrotoxin and acute tubular necrosis is common.
Oral ingestion may produce vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, cyanosis, methaemoglobinaemia, haemolysis, convulsions, kidney damage and anuria. The writer is a Science Officer at the National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang.