Methyl parathion: an organophosphate insecticide not quite forgotten.
Methyl parathion (MP), a toxic organophosphate insecticide approved for outdoor use only, is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Category Ia (extremely toxic) and by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) as a Toxicity Category I (most toxic) insecticide. In several U.S. states in the late 1980s and early 1990s, toxic exposures were created by the illegal use of MP indoors by uncertified pest control operators. As the health effects of MP exposure became evident with increasing public awareness, intervention by the U.S. government, in collaboration with several agencies and public initiatives, led to investigations of MP exposure. After evidence of MP metabolites from urine samples confirmed the exposure, in 1998 the indoor use of MP was banned in the U.S. to protect human health, especially that of children, and the environment. Toxic exposures to MP also occurred in developing countries. In El Salvador, occupational exposure to MP in farmers introduced environmental exposures among agricultural families, who presented with the cholinergic features of MP toxicity. Suicidal MP poisoning was reported in Nepal. A fatal accidental poisoning in children in Peru reflected the serious health risk of pesticides in developing countries. The negligence of pesticide exporters raised human rights issues over the tragedy. Nevertheless, MP exposure remains a potential health risk in both the U.S. and the developing world. Preventive measures in reducing the use of toxic chemicals should be taken seriously to protect human health and the environment.
Jaga
Kushik
K
Mount Sinai School Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, New York 10029, USA. Kushik.Jaga@Va.med.gov
Dharmani
Chandrabhan
C
D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008743:Methyl Parathion / Q000633:toxicity*; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D008743:Methyl Parathion