ORGANOPHOSPHATES

Synonyms

CLASSES

Category

Organophosphate Insecticides

Comments

Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides inhibit a critical enzyme for nerve conduction--acetylcholinesterase. [ATSDR Case Studies # 22] A small number of the organophosphates (OPs) can Induce Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN). OPIDN usually occurs after ingestion and is usually nonoccupational. [Levy, p. 431] “The average of two baseline respective cholinesterase activity determinations three days apart, with no exposures to enzyme inhibiting pesticides for at least 30 days, is recommended for each worker prior to exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors because of large inter-individual differences in published baseline values. To be established at least once a year. Removal from workplace exposures is recommended until the cholinesterase activity returns to within 20% of baseline.” [TLVs and BEIs]

EPA is responsible for registering all pesticides in the USA, licensing pesticide applicators, and establishing reentry intervals. Field and pest control workers must wait a specified interval before entering a sprayed area. [ATSDR Case Studies # 22]

Biomedical References

Acetylcholinesterase activity in red blood cells = 70% of individual's baseline; Butylcholinesterase activity in serum or plasma = 60% of individual's baseline; Sample at end of shift; [TLVs and BEIs]

Few hours to a few days; [TDR, p. 962] Half-lives in the field range from days to months; [ATSDR Case Studies # 22]

Predominantly motor

Other Poison

Organophosphate

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Neuropathy, toxic
• Organophosphates & carbamates, acute poisoning

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)