Formic Acid Poisoning Fatalities Among Rubber Latex Processing Workers: A Case Series

Abstract

Formic acid is widely used in rubber latex coagulation, especially in semiurban and rural industrial settings. Its unregulated handling poses significant occupational health hazards. The objectives of the case series are to document the clinical, toxicological, and autopsy findings in six fatal cases of formic acid poisoning among rubber industry workers in Tripura, India. To document the clinical, toxicological, and autopsy findings in six fatal cases of formic acid poisoning among rubber industry workers in Tripura, India. This retrospective case series analyzed clinical records, autopsy findings, histopathology, and toxicology reports of six deceased individuals exposed to formic acid through ingestion or inhalation. All victims were rubber factory or plantation workers; five deaths were suicidal and one accidental. Common features included metabolic acidosis, gastrointestinal corrosion, pulmonary edema, and multi-organ failure. Histopathology revealed acute tubular necrosis, gastric mucosal necrosis, and alveolar edema. Toxicology confirmed lethal levels of formic acid. These cases highlight critical gaps in occupational safety, chemical handling practices, and mental health support in industrial environments handling corrosive agents like formic acid.