What does organophosphate do to the body?

Long-term exposure to organophosphates can cause confusion, anxiety, loss of memory, loss of appetite, disorientation, depression, and personality changes. Other symptoms such as weakness, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting also may occur.

How does organophosphate cause poisoning?

You can also get organophosphate poisoning by consuming contaminated food or water. The most common unintentional exposure routes are through breathing and contact with the skin. People who intentionally expose themselves to organophosphates tend to inhale and ingest it. These concentrated, high doses are often fatal.

What is organophosphate poisoning and how is it treated?

The definitive treatment for organophosphate poisoning is atropine, which competes with acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors. The initial dose for adults is 2 to 5 mg IV or 0.05 mg/kg IV for children until reaching the adult dose.

Which drug causes organophosphate poisoning?

The mainstays of medical therapy in organophosphate (OP) poisoning include atropine, pralidoxime (2-PAM), and benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam). Initial management must focus on adequate use of atropine.

What happens when you inhale too much insecticide?

Many insecticides can cause poisoning after being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms may include eye tearing, coughing, heart problems, and breathing difficulties.

How long do the effects of organophosphates last?

The acute effects of exposure to organophosphorus pesticides are well known, but the chronic effects are unclear. Recent studies suggest that abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous systems persisted for up to 5 years after acute poisoning due to a single large dose of organophosphates (OPs).

What is the meaning of organophosphate?

a chemical used for killing insects and small animals that damage crops: organophosphate pesticides/poisoning.

Where are organophosphates found?

Some garden pest control products and no-pest strips. Some fruits and vegetables. Small amounts of organophosphate pesticides found in these foods come from agricultural pesticide use. Air and dust in areas where organophosphate pesticides are used, such as some farms or home gardens.

Where is organophosphate found?

Organophosphate pesticides are found in Some flea and tick collars, shampoos, sprays, and powders for dogs and cats. Some garden pest control products and no-pest strips. Some fruits and vegetables. Small amounts of organophosphate pesticides found in these foods come from agricultural pesticide use.

What are some examples of organophosphates?

Examples of organophosphates include the following:

• Insecticides – Malathion, parathion, diazinon, fenthion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, ethion.
• Nerve gases – Soman, sarin, tabun, VX.
• Ophthalmic agents – Echothiophate, isoflurophate.
• Antihelmintics – Trichlorfon.
• Herbicides – Tribufos (DEF), merphos.

How long does insecticide poisoning last?

Symptoms of Insecticide Poisoning Breathing may become difficult, and muscles twitch and become weak. Rarely, shortness of breath or muscle weakness is fatal. Symptoms last hours to days after exposure to carbamates, but weakness can last for weeks after exposure to organophosphates.

Does pesticide poisoning go away?

Acute effects Often they are reversible if appropriate medical care is given promptly, but may be fatal if not treated. Acute effects of pesticides are classified according to the site of the exposure: oral, inhalation, dermal and eye exposures.

What are the symptoms of organic phosphate poisoning?

– Small or pinpoint pupils. – Painful, blurred vision. – Runny nose and eyes. – Excess saliva. – Eyes looking ‘glassy’. – Headache. – Nausea. – Mild muscle weakness. – Localised muscle twitching. – Mild agitation.

What is the epidemiology of organophosphorus poisoning?

Epidemiology The incidence of organophosphate poisoning depends on the extent of use and ease of access. In the US and other developed countries, relatively few people are involved in agricultural activity, and occupational health and safety standards are usually enforced, making serious or fatal poisoning uncommon.

What are the symptoms of a poisoning?

General symptoms of poisoning can include: feeling and being sick. diarrhoea. stomach pain. drowsiness, dizziness or weakness. high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above. chills (shivering) loss of appetite.

What is acetaminophen poisoning?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain medicine. Acetaminophen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings. People often think that this medicine is very safe. However, it can be deadly if taken in large doses.