Abstract

ROJAS-VELANDIA, Camilo A; ROJAS, Alexander  and  IDROVO, Alvaro J. On the introduction of chelators to treat metal poisonings in Colombia: a forgotten history. Rev. Univ. Ind. Santander. Salud [online]. 2025, vol.57, art052.  Epub Apr 11, 2025. ISSN 0121-0807.  https://doi.org/10.18273/saluduis.57.e:25v57rt052.

This article summarizes the first experiences with chelators to treat metal poisoning in Colombia. The first known use was a consequence of the methyl-parathion poisoning of more than 500 individuals in Chiquinquirá, Boyacá, in 1967; dimercaprol or BAL (British Anti-Lewisite) was used erroneously among some of those affected. In the early 1970s, the physician at the "La Esperanza" mine in Aranzazu, Caldas, began using BAL and penicillamine to treat the numerous cases of hydrargyrism. These two cases are milestones in the history of pharmacology, toxicology, and environmental and occupational health in Colombia and Latin America that have been forgotten.

Keywords : Poisoning; Epidemic; History; Mercury; Toxicology.

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