Organophosphates - their History, Mode of Action and Toxicity
Organophosphates also known as the OPs. The word organophosphate is derived from the combination of two words; � organic compounds � and � phosphate group �. There is no known clinical use of these chemicals. However, the main uses are as agricultural insecticides and fungicides; used in household and garden sprays for flies and other insects. Organophosphates (Cover) Usage Organophosphate insecticides are commonly used for small animals as flea and tick powders, sprays, foggers, shampoos and dips, and formerly, as systemic insecticides. They are also frequently used as household, garden, and farm insecticides. OPs, in general, have short term persistence and limited residual activity. They are more toxic to vertebrates than other insects. OPs have replaced the banned organochlorines (OC) and are a major cause of animal poisoning. History OPs were first synthesized in the 1850�s but the modern products were developed in Germany in the 1930�s. Their insecticidal qualities were first ob...