A retired Co Westmeath farmer died of organo-phosphorus poisoning six days after he helped his nephew re-pot plants using a granular insecticide, an inquest at Dublin City Coroners Court heard yesterday. James Geoghegan (67) of Moate, Co Westmeath, died on August 9th, 1998. A post-mortem by Dr James Kirrane found death was due to respiratory failure from organo-phosphorus poisoning. Dr Thomas Donnelly of the Health and Safety Authority said those using organo-phosphorus in granular form should wear gloves and those using the liquid form should wear long gloves, rubber boots and a bib apron. He said organo-phosphorus was from the nerve gas group of products, as were used in the Gulf War.
The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure and recommended insecticides be labelled more clearly as to their potential harmful effects.
The coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, said he would bring the recommendation to the attention of the relevant authorities.