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Organophosphate Pesticides
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Organophosphate
Pesticides
Aubrey Keller and Taylor Knapp
Overview
- Phosphate ester
- Organophosphates are man-made chemicals that are used to poison both insects and animals.
- Organophosphates are the most common pesticides used today
Overview
Uses
Organophosphates were originally produced for chemical warfare (never used); however, today's uses include
- Agriculture
- Home
- Gardens
- Veterinary Practice
Uses
How they work
These insecticides work by disrupting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme critical for controlling nerve signals in the body. The disruption of this enzyme terminates insects and has the potential to cause side effects in humans as well, such as:
- Mild-Diahrrea, Headache, Vomitting, Nausea
- Severe-Yellowed skin, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, slow heart beat, weight loss, etc.
How It Works
Where are They Found?
Where Are They Found?
- Organophosphates are found commonly used in agriculture (farms, gardens, etc.)
- small doses are found in most foods, except organic foods (affecting human diet)
- They are also used in public health applications in some countries - like the elimination of mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus
- Exposure to pesticides in also possible via household usage
What it Affects
- cholinesterase - enzyme in the human nervous system that breaks down acetylcholine
- acetylcholine - a neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerves and muscles.
- Linked to:
- brain development
- behavior
- fertility
Effects
How it Affects
Organophosphate poisoning
- When they enter the body - through ingestion, inhalation, or contact with skin- organophosphates inhibit cholinesterase. When cholinesterase is inactivated, acetylcholine builds up in the nerves, which become overactive.
- Victims of organophosphate poisoning typically die because they can't breathe.
How it Affects (Cont.)
Affects human body by:
- interfering with testosterone communication with other cells
- lowering testosterone
- altering thyroid hormone levels
How it Affects (Cont.)
Mnemonic of OP Poisoning
SLUDGE
S-Salivation
L-Lacrimation
U-Urination
D-Diahorrea
G-Gastrointestinal cramps
E-Emesis
Why it's the worst endocrine disruptor
Argument
Extremely Toxic
- High-level exposure to organophosphates can lead to death in the short term.
- Several studies have also suggested that chronic low-level exposure can have serious health consequences, especially for infants and young children.
- The risk of death depends on the amount of exposure and the age of the victim. Symptoms tend to be more severe in young children.
Hard to Avoid
- Despite how careful you may be about consuming fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides, some pesticide residue is almost guarenteed to end up in your system.
- Eating organic/unsprayed produce is the best way to avoid pesticides, however, these foods tend to be more expensive
- Pesticides are also present in contaminated meat, fish, rice, and dairy products--all important to a healthy diet.
- Although monitoring diet can lower risk of exposure, living near sites where pesticides are frequently used increases exposure through inhalation and contact with air, water, and soil.
Not Enough Regulations
- In the U.S., a small amount of organophosphates on crops is tolerated after harvesting and farmers ensure that amounts don't reach dangerously high levels
- However, in countries like India, regulations are not as strict and enforcement of regulations is not as effective
- likelihood of organophosphate poisoning through food contamination is high
- Example: In 1986, over 20 people in Sierra Leone died after eating bread made with flour that was transported in a truck that was formerly used to carry organophosphates.
Works Cited
Junquera, P. (n.d.). ORGANOPHOSPHATES for veterinary use in DOGS, CATS, HORSES and LIVESTOCK - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry - against external parasites. Retrieved March 22, 2018, from http://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2404&Itemid=2672
Mnif, W., Hassine, A. I., Bouaziz, A., Bartegi, A., Thomas, O., & Roig, B. (2011, June). Effect of Endocrine Disruptor Pesticides. Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138025/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions About Organophosphates. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Retrieved March 22, 2018, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/fallon/organophosfaq.htm
Than, K. (2013, July 18). Organophosphates: A Common But Deadly Pesticide. (National Geographic) Retrieved March 22, 2018, from National Geographic: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/07/130718-organophosphates-pesticides-indian-food-poisoning/