Organophosphates-White/Martens

WHAT ARE THEY? Any of a variety of organic compounds that contain phosphorus and often have intense neurotoxic activity: originally developed as nerve gases, now widely used as insecticides and fire retardants.The main mechanism is blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase which causes nervous and respiratory damages that eventually kill the insects. Organophosphates are also hazardous to humans. After the use of organochloride insecticides was discontinued, they became the most commonly used Pesticides and are responsible for 70% of pesticidal use in the United States (PANNA). OPs are considered to break down relatively quickly, providing insect-killing properties which do not leave long term residues. OPs break down through a process of phosphorylation, oxidative phosphorylation, alkylation, and, for methylated OPs, methylation. .("Breakdown of organophosphates," ) WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR? Organophosphates are used in fields of crops to get rid of any insects or a variety of settings, though they are mostly associated with Nerve Agents or Chemical Weapons and Pesticides, though they are also used in industrial settings occasionally (Katz, 2006). SYMPTOMS:

• Headache




• Restlessness




• Convulsions




• Loss of consciousness




• Coma




• Rhinorrhea (perfuse watery runny nose)




• Bronchorrhea (excessive bronchial secretions)




• Dyspnea - (shortness of breath)




• Chest tightness




• Hyperpnea - (increased respiratory rate/depth) - early (increased respiratory rate/depth)




• Bradypnea - (decreased respiratory rate) - late (decreased respiratory rate)




• Tachycardia - (increased heart rate) - early (increased heart rate) (Foley)

TREATMENT: Pre-hospital care: Ensure that the person who has been exposed to the organophosphates has lots of fresh air to breath in. Decontamination is the most important thing. It involves removing all clothing from the patient and washing them with water and soap. This is so important because it minimizes the chance of continued exposure and it also protects other people from being contaminated. Be very observant of the area around you. If you notice any smells or strange noises, this will help to determine where the exposure came from. Hospital care(treatments will vary depending on the severity of the exposure): Possible intubation. A proper decontamination will take place. Avoided use of morphine, caffeine, loop diuretics (A class of diuretic agents that act by inhibiting reabsorbtion of sodium and chloride), theophylline, and succinylcholine. This is because they could increase toxicity in the patient.

Nerve agent or organophosphate poisoning results in a wide range of exposure because it affects a large number of organs and physical processes

Chemical Formula:C9H10ClN2O5PS ("Chemical formula of," )

Danger, Danger!!!!!!!!

Every day in America, 9 out of 10 American children that are between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, are exposed to 13 different neurotoxic insecticides from the foods they eat.

Organophosphate insecticides can cause long term damage to the nervous system and the brain.

Click This Link to find out more Dangers!!!!!! http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/06/15/organophosphates_what_you_dont_know_can_indeed_hurt_you.htm

Our Opinion On Organophosphates.
In our opinion, organophosphate pesticides should not be used in our environment. The main reason for this is that although they are convenient in farmers crops, they are very hazardous to our health.These poisons can cause nerve damage and certain types of cancers in anyone depending on the amount of exposure. If a pregnant woman is exposed to these poisons, she can pass them on to her baby which could cause life threatening illnesses and birth defects. So despite the advantages that farmers get from organophophate pesticides, we feel that it isn't worth the risk.

Citations

Toxipedia. Retrieved from http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Organophosphates#Organophosphates-References

Treatment for harmful exposure to organophosphates. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009888-treatment Breakdown of organophosphates. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://web.archive.org/web/20020202042541/http:/www2.prestel.co.uk/littleton/ek3_wheatley.htm Chemical formula of organophosphates. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/library/randrep/pesticides_paper/mr1018.8.ch7.html Organophosphates in childrens food. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ewg.org/report/overexposed-organophosphate-insecticides-childrens-food

Pictures :)