Editing Metaldehyde (section)

==Safety and toxicity to pets and humans==
Metaldehyde has a toxicity profile identical to that for acetaldehyde, being mildly toxic<ref>[http://www.the-piedpiper.co.uk/th11a%287%29.htm Toxicology of metaldehyde]</ref> and a respiratory irritant at the 50&nbsp;ppm level. In terms of water safety, during periods of rainfall metaldehyde pellets become agitated and can seep into natural water courses. The European Commission restricts metaldehyde levels to 0.1&nbsp;μg/L in drinking water.<ref>{{Cite journal | journal=Scientific Reports | title=Direct Analysis and Quantification of Metaldehyde in Water using Reactive Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry | author=Maher S |display-authors=etal| pages=35643 | volume=6 | date=2016 | doi=10.1038/srep35643| pmc=5073298 | pmid=27767044| bibcode=2016NatSR...635643M }}</ref>

Metaldehyde-containing slug baits are banned in some countries as they are toxic to dogs and cats and disturb the natural ecosystems.<ref name="Joyner"/><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html | title=Pests in Gardens and Landscapes|publisher=[[University of California, Davis]] | access-date=2010-08-03}}</ref> There is no antidote or specific treatment plan for metaldehyde poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning in dogs and cats vary and are very similar to poisonings by other substances, however they can include tremors, drooling, hyperthermia, vomiting, and restlessness.&nbsp;If left untreated, symptoms will proceed to seizures and death within days. Severity of symptoms and speed of onset depend on the quantity ingested and the other contents of the stomach which affect absorption.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Metaldehyde Poisoning in Animals - Toxicology |url=https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/metaldehyde-poisoning/metaldehyde-poisoning-in-animals |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=Merck Veterinary Manual |language=en-US}}</ref>

A diagnosis can be made by an analysis of stomach contents, which tend to have an apple cider vinegar odor, as well as a history of exposure to the chemical. Treatment includes IV fluids, sedation, lowering body temperature, and purging of stomach contents with charcoal. Prompt and aggressive medical attention after a poisoning may make a full recovery possible within 2–3 days.<ref name=":1" />

Due to this toxicity, pet owners may want to investigate alternatives which are not as toxic to pets, such as [[ferric sodium EDTA]] or [[aluminium sulfate]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.spotmagazine.net/content/slugging-out-spring-pacific-northwest | title=Slugging Out Spring | publisher=Dr. Heidi Houchen, DVM | url-status=usurped | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718193234/http://www.spotmagazine.net/content/slugging-out-spring-pacific-northwest | archivedate=2012-07-18 }}</ref> The metaldehyde tablets resemble [[Candy|candies]] and do not taste bad, making accidental ingestion possible by children or even by adults unaware of their true nature. Their use was popular during the [[interwar period]] and several cases of poisoning resulted.<ref name="adic">{{Cite journal | journal=Archives of Disease in Childhood | title=Poisoning by "Meta Fuel" Tablets (Metacetaldehyde) | first=Reginald | last=Miller | pages=292–295 | volume=3 | date=December 1928 | pmc=1975025 | pmid=21031743 | issue=18 | doi=10.1136/adc.3.18.292}}</ref> Baits may contain a [[bitterant]] to prevent accidental consumption by pets or children.

Oral ingestions of metaldehyde have been described in adults attempting suicide; amongst them, the majority experienced gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms. When compared to humans with accidental ingestion of metaldehyde, those attempting suicide tend to be symptomatic (for example reduced concentrations of GABA causing seizures) and often require care in an intensive care unit and/or long-term hospitalization.<ref>{{Cite journal | journal=Acute Medicine & Surgery | title=Acute metaldehyde poisoning from ingestion: clinical features and implications for early treatment | author=Tan YJ. |display-authors=etal | volume=9 | date=2022 | doi=10.1002/ams2.766| pmc=9209800| pmid=35769386 }}</ref>