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CH3041
ORGANOPHOSPHATES
(ii) OrganoPhosphates (OPs)
OPs have largely replaced OCs.
Readily biodegrade. Do not bioaccumulate.
• Most are phosphothionate ester cmpds.
• Acetylcholine is a nerve transmitter substance. OPs inhibit acetylcholinesterase.
 
• Some of the earliest OPs were very toxic.
Parathion is not registered in Australia as
it has accidently killed several hundred
people through dermal adsorption.
Toxicity 2mg / child; 120mg / adult    LD50 3