Metaldehyde is used widely in the United States as a snail and slug poison. In Europe and Japan, it is also used as a solid fuel (up to 100% metaldehyde) for small heaters. In Japan, tablets containing up to 90% metaldehyde are used for producing colored flames for entertaining. The pellets often are mistaken for cereal or candy. Common commercial products containing metaldehyde (2–4%) include Cory’s Slug and Snail Death, Deadline for Slugs and Snails, and Bug Geta Snail and Slug Pellets.

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   Mechanism of toxicity

   
   
   
   
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      The mechanism of toxicity is not well understood. Metaldehyde, like paraldehyde, is a polymer of acetaldehyde, and depolymerization to form acetaldehyde may account for some of its toxic effects. Further metabolism to acetone bodies may contribute to metabolic acidosis.

      
      
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      Pharmacokinetics.

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