Organophosphates

Organophosphates

Organophosphates are a class of chemicals containing phosphorus-carbon (P-C) bonds and are widely used in various industries, such as agriculture, chemical industry, and defense.
They are used in particular as insecticides (parathion) and for agricultural and gardening uses (fenthion and chlorpyrifos). They produce their effects by inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterases, increasing the concentration of endogenous acetylcholine. Intoxication occurs through exposure to aerosols, at the point of contact with the eyes or respiratory system, or through local absorption through the skin or mucous membranes.
Among the main sectors of use of organophosphates we have:
– Agriculture: Organophosphates are often used as insecticides and pesticides in agricultural crops to combat parasites and insects harmful to plants. However, excessive or improper use of these compounds can have harmful effects on the environment and human health.
– Chemical industry: some organophosphates are used as catalysts or reagents in industrial chemical syntheses. They can be used in the production of plasticizers, detergents and other chemicals.
– Military: Organophosphates are also used in some nerve agents, chemicals designed to interfere with the nervous system of organisms. These substances are extremely toxic and can be used as chemical weapons.
– Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: many organophosphates act as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. This can lead to excess acetylcholine in the nervous systems of insects, animals or even humans, causing toxic effects.
Excessive use of organophosphates in agriculture and other sectors can cause water and soil pollution and serious ecological risks. Furthermore, prolonged or high-dose human exposure to these compounds can have serious health consequences, including poisoning.
In fact, in humans, organophosphates negatively interfere with neurodevelopment.
It is important to note that, due to their toxicity and environmental impacts, there has been growing concern regarding the use of organophosphates, and in some cases alternatives that are less harmful to the environment and human health have been developed and adopted.