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We have read with interest the recently published article by Shadania et al, entitled ‘A retrospective 7-year study of aluminum phosphide poisoning in Tehran: Opportunities for prevention’. 1 As this is a common poisoning in Iran, 2-6 we appreciate the opportunity to read about this poisoning. There are two kinds of rice tablets which are used in Iran to protect stored grains and rice from rodents and other household pests. Aluminum phosphide (ALP), a fumigant which releases toxic phosphine when it comes into contact with moisture, is the most common type of rice tablet. It is marketed as 3-gm tablets (Phostoxin Celphos, Quickphos and Phostek). Another tablet used for this purpose is a herbal product also known as Rice Tablet (Figure 1). Although public sale of ALP tablets is banned in Iran, it is still available. Both rice tablets are indistinguishable to the lay person and are used often for suicide purpose. The points …