Methyl parathion: a review of health effects.
Methyl parathion is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticide with insecticidal properties derived from acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition; this same property is also the root of its toxicity in humans. Poisoning with methyl parathion leads to cholinergic overstimulation with signs of toxicity including sweating, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and, in extreme cases, death. Reports of methyl parathion intoxication, usually seen only in field pesticide applicators, have increased throughout the United States as a result of unauthorized application of methyl parathion inside homes. The health concerns of the use of methyl parathion have resulted in cancellation of its use in most food crops in the United States. This review examines the well-documented neurotoxicity of methyl parathion as well as effects on other organ systems.
Garcia
Stephanie J
SJ
Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Abu-Qare
Aqel W
AW
Meeker-O'Connell
Winifred A
WA
Borton
Anita J
AJ
Abou-Donia
Mohamed B
MB
D000818:Animals; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004244:Dizziness / Q000139:chemically induced; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D007306:Insecticides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning*; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008743:Methyl Parathion / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning*; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D012869:Skin Absorption; D013546:Sweating / Q000187:drug effects; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D007306:Insecticides; D008743:Methyl Parathion