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Organophosphates

Level 5 — High concernIn Winter's Dictionary

Organophosphates is a pesticide residue — Phosphorus-containing pesticides and insecticides

What it does

Phosphorus-containing pesticides and insecticides

Where you'll see it

agricultural produce residues; many compounds including azinphosmethyl, malathion, parathion, methyl parathion, etc.

What the research says

Can be extremely toxic. Can kill quickly or slowly. Easily absorbed through skin, eyes, stomach, lungs. Inhibit cholinesterase (essential for nerve transmission). Now being studied for delayed neurotoxicity.

Regulatory status

  • Notes: Subject to FDA tolerance limits per compound

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Organophosphates, pesticides, and insecticides can be extremely toxic. They can kill quickly or slowly depending on the amount of exposure