Body distribution of malathion and its metabolites in a fatal poisoning by ingestion

Abstract
Eight autopsy samples from an individual who had ingested a large amount of malathion were analyzed for four components: intact pesticide, malaoxon, malathion mono‐carboxylic acid (MCA), and malathion dicarboxylic acid (DCA). Malathion was present in all samples except liver. Highest concentrations were found in the gastric contents (8621 ppm) and adipose tissue (76.4 ppm). Malaoxon was identified in some tissues at very low levels; a significant amount was found only in fat (8.2 ppm). The MCA and DCA were detected in all tissues. The former was found in greater abundance: 221 ppm in bile, 106 ppm in kidney, and 103 ppm in the gastric contents.