Organophosphorus insecticides act by inhibiting the action of cholinesterase (see ACETYLCHOLINE). For this reason they are also toxic to humans and must therefore be handled with great care. The most widely used are PARATHION and MALATHION. Organophosphorus has also been used to make nerve gases (see BIOLOGICAL WARFARE).
Treatment After contamination with insecticides, decontaminate (remove clothes, wash skin). Those treating should wear gloves, mask, apron and goggles. For symptoms give 2 mg of ATROPINE IV every 30 minutes until full atropinisation (dry mouth, pulse >70). Up to three days’ treatment may be needed. Severe poisoning may require pralidoxine mysalate: available from designated centres, this drug should be given intravenously within 24 hours of exposure.... organophosphorus
Highly poisonous agricultural insecticides that are harmful when absorbed through the skin, by inhalation, or by swallowing. Among the many possible symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, blurred vision, excessive sweating, headache, confusion, and twitching. Severe poisoning may cause breathing difficulty, palpitations, seizures, and unconsciousness. If left untreated, death may result.
Treatment may include washing out the stomach (see lavage, gastric) or removing soiled clothing and washing contaminated skin.
Injections of atropine may be given, and oxygen therapy and/or artificial ventilation may be needed.
With rapid treatment, people may survive doses that would otherwise have been fatal.
Long term effects of organophosphates in sheep dips are thought to be responsible for debilitating illness with neural, muscular, and mental symptoms.... organophosphates
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