Are these the drugs that caused the Böcek family's death? Death with a single click!

Following the suspicious death of the Böcek family, chemical control and safety practices in Turkey have returned to the agenda.

While suspicion of aluminum phosphide has come to the fore in the incident, experts have deemed it risky that this chemical, which should strictly not be applied outside of professional use, can be easily purchased online.

In a statement made by Harun Sözer, who works in the pest control sector, it was emphasized that aluminum phosphide does not have a common area of use. According to Sözer's statements, the substance in question is defined as an extremely powerful fumigant used only in completely sealed and professional areas such as stored agricultural products, grain silos, containers, ship cargo holds, and industrial warehouses.

It is stated that the application of such chemicals can only be carried out by authorized experts, with special protective equipment, and in compliance with strict safety protocols.

The retail sale of products containing aluminum phosphide is prohibited in Turkey. These substances must be obtained only through licensed and professional firms, by being recorded and inspected. However, it is reported that the situation is different on international sales platforms on the internet.

According to information in the Türkiye newspaper, it is alleged that orders can be placed through some foreign supply and wholesale sites without even undergoing document verification. It is stated that if the product is not detected at customs, it can enter the country within a few days.

UNCONTROLLED ACCESS PUTS THE SECTOR AND PUBLIC HEALTH AT RISK

According to sector representatives, the work carried out by licensed and supervised firms remains insufficient in the face of individual users bringing in chemicals from abroad without control. This situation both negatively affects the reliability of the sector and poses a serious public health threat.

In evaluations made by experts in the field of chemical safety and toxicology, it is stated that viewing aluminum phosphide as an “easy solution” is a major misconception.