Organophosphate exposure, symptoms

Mental disturbances have been reported after organophosphate exposure. Neuropsychiatric symptoms occurred in two aerial applicators, one of whom used methyl parathion as well as other insecticides. One of these pilots had high levels of exposure to a mixture containing methyl parathion, toxaphene, and Dipterex when his clothing became saturated when the tank of his aircraft accidentally overflowed. Several months after the accident, the subject complained of anxiety, dizziness, emotional lability, and frequent and severe disagreements with family members and associates. Similar observations had been... 

London, L., Nell, V.. Thompson, M.-L, and Myers, J. E. (1998). Effects trf long-term organophosphate exposures on neurological symptoms, vibration. sense and tremor among South African farm workers. Scand. J. tVorJt Environ. Health 24, 18-29. 

Household pesticides Numerous formulations some contain hydrocarbon solvents, others are water-based. Pesticides used may include pyrethrins, organophosphates, or carbamates, but generally low potency and in concentrations less than 1.5%. The risk of pesticide poisoning is very low unless intenhonal massive exposure. Symptoms after exposure mainly due to inhalation of the hydrocarbon solvent. 

The following simple acronyms are commonly used to describe the signs and symptoms of organophosphate exposure. 

Developmental Effects. Adverse effects of methyl parathion on hirman fetal development have not been reported. Based on studies in animals, such effects appear to be possible if pregnant women were exposed during the first trimester to high concentrations of methyl parathion that resulted in significant depression of cholinesterase levels, particularly if concomitant signs and symptoms of organophosphate intoxication occur. Such an exposure scenario may occur with occupational exposure, exposure in homes or offices illegally sprayed with methyl parathion, or accidental exposure to methyl parathion, but is less likely as a result of low-level exposure. 

Acute oral exposure to several organophosphate ester hydraulic fluids produced deaths in rabbits, chickens, and cows. The deaths were associated with severe cholinergic symptoms or symptoms of organophosphorus induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). (See Section 22.2 A for further details on the neurological effects.)... 

Organophosphate Ester Hydraulic Fluid. The most widely examined target of organophosphate ester hydraulic fluids is the nervous system. Two types of neurological effects have been observed following exposure to certain organophosphate ester hydraulic fluids cholinergic symptoms associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibition and delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). 

Pesticides include a broad range of substances most commonly used to control insects, weeds, and fungi. Insecticides are often subclassified by chemical type as organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates, and pyrethroids [110]. Some studies have indicated that pesticide exposure is associated with chronic health problems or health symptoms such as respiratory problems, memory disorders, dermatologic conditions, cancer, depression, neurologic deficits, miscarriages, and birth defects [111]. 

---