[Poisoning with ammonium tetraformiate--a substance used in silage formation].

The case is reported of a 23-year-old man, working in agriculture, who was exposed to the silage additive ammonium tetraformiate, a strong acid. While pumping the fluid some of the substance entered his mouth and was swallowed. He vomited and developed transient dyspnoea. On admission he appeared acidotic, with haemolysis and haemoglobinuria. Lesions on the soft palate and in the oesophagus were observed, and a pulmonary infiltrate developed. Information on the substance was initially not available. Labeling appeared incomplete and misleading. Optimal treatment was delayed.