Accidental Potassium Bromate Poisoning in Nine Adults

Accidental Potassium bromate poisoning is uncommon in adults, can have varied manifestations in different patients and can sometimes be deceiving. Potassium bromate white powder and oxidizing agent is used predominantly in bakeries as a maturing agent for flour and as a dough conditioner. It is also occasionally used as a neutralizer in hair kits. This paper deals with nine cases of accidental potassium bromate poisoning working in a bakery. Almost all the patients present with pain abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe gastritis leading to hematemesis is one of the dreaded complications. Acute renal failure can ensue after 24-48 hours of intake and thus patient must be investigated in this line. All of them ingested potassium bromate powder considering it to be milk powder. Potassium bromate poisoning must be considered as a possibility in every case presenting as acute gastroenteritis like symptoms after intake of bakery products. Strict legislation is required to decrease the risk of such incidents.