Organophosphate related fatalities--a violitional biohazard?
A study of deaths due to organophosphate and related "cholinesterase-inhibiting" pesticides was performed on the case files of the office of the Medical Examiner in Metropolitan Dade County in Miami, Florida, USA. Briefly, a comparison was performed between cases which occurred between the years 1961-1965, when such pesticides were used indiscriminately and before stricter laws regulating their use were enacted, and with a series of cases occurring between the years, 1981-85, after such stricter laws were enacted. The occurrence of such deaths dropped dramatically with the decease in organophosphate use. A discussion ensues, along with specific information for the reader, on how the forensic scientist may help ameliorate their environment.
Copeland
A R
AR
Dade County Medical Examiner Department, Miami, FL 33136.
D000059:Accidents / Q000401:mortality; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000506:poisoning; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D013405:Suicide
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds