Organophosphates: What You Don't Know Can Indeed Hurt You
by www.SixWise.com
Organophosphates are a group of pesticides that, according
to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), were first developed
during the early 19th century. However, their poisonous effects
weren't widely known until the 1930s when the German
military developed them for use in World War II as a neurotoxin.
Organophosphate pesticides account for 38 percent of all
pesticides in use throughout the world. They kill insects
by disrupting their brains and nervous systems -- but they
can also harm the brains and nervous systems of animals and
humans (which is why it is used in nerve gas and other weapons),
says the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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People of all ages are at risk of pesticide dangers,
but children appear to be particularly vulnerable.
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These chemicals work by stopping a key enzyme in the nervous
system (cholinesterase) from working. When this happens, a
neurotransmitter called acetylcholine can no longer be properly
controlled, which results in nerve impulses remaining active
for longer than they should. This over-stimulates the nerves
and muscles and results in symptoms like weakness and muscle
paralysis, says the EPA.
In 2001, organophosphates accounted for about half of the
insecticides sold in the United States, and about 60 million
pounds are used on crops each year. Some of the more well-known
organophosphates include diazinon, disulfoton, azinphos-methyl
and fonofos.
Diazinon, which was sold in the United States for 48 years,
was once the most widely used ingredient in U.S. lawn and
garden sprays, with close to 15 million pounds being sold
annually. However, due to safety concerns, the EPA ordered
that the chemical no longer be used for indoor use by March
2001, and no longer be used for lawn and garden use by June
2003.
Another organophosphate, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), was phased
out in 2000 after studies showed children could be particularly
vulnerable to harm from exposure.
Pesticides Found in People
A 2003 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), the Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental
Chemicals, tested thousands of people for exposure to 116
chemicals, 34 of which were pesticides. Of the 34 pesticides,
which included organochlorines, organophosphates and carbamates,
19 were detected in the blood or urine of the study participants.
Health Dangers of Organophosphates
These chemicals, which are used as insecticides in homes
and offices and for lawns and gardens, in flea treatments
for pets and are sprayed onto agricultural crops, have been
linked with cancer, decreasing male fertility and Parkinson's
disease. However, no one really know for sure what harm low,
long-term exposure to such chemicals could cause. What is
known, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health,
is that organophosphate poisoning could result in the following
issues.
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Possible Health Effects of Organophosphates
- Runny nose
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle twitching
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
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Where are They Found?
If you'd like to limit your exposure to organophosphates,
be aware that common sources of these pesticides include:
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Animal growth promoters
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Cattle treatments
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Flame retardants
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Flea treatments for pets
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Gasoline additives
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Household and garden pesticides
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Lice/Nit treatments
(rather than applying a pesticide to your child's
scalp to kill lice, opt for the 100-percent safe Lice
B Gone--clinically proven to safely remove lice and
nits without dangerous pesticides or chemicals)
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Pesticides for crops--particularly soft fruit, vegetables
and grain products
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Rubber additives
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Stablilizers in lubricating and hydraulic oils
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Synthetic additives
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Wood infestation treatments
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Mosquito spraying/fogging
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Keep Your Pets Safe From Pesticides
Too: Avoid Commercial Flea Treatments!
 Flea
and tick control products can be extremely
hazardous, some containing highly noxious nerve gas.
Still, these products have approval to be sold because
the claim is that the amount of such hazards is minimal
in the products. Flea collars
and tags are literally soaked in chemical pesticides,
emitting a continuous toxic cloud into the air, not
only for your pet, but you and your family.
Choose Flea 'n Tick B Gone instead: It's 100-percent
safe and does not contain harmful pesticides or chemicals.
- 100% pesticide free
- Non-toxic
- Clinically proven to be highly effective
- A Great Value! Eliminates the need for collars,
bombs, foggers, powders etc. and is economically priced
- Can also be used on bedding and pet areas of the
home--Simply lightly spray in these areas
- Reduces vet and medicinal costs
- Can safely be used as a preventive against fleas
and ticks: regular use can naturally break life cycle
of fleas
- Controls other in-home pests
- Reduces risk of infections, dermatitis and itching
- Safely removes fleas, ticks, lice and other pests
Read
More and Order Now!
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Following are some tips to keep pesticides, including organophosphates,
away from you and your family as much as possible:
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Buy certified organic fruits, vegetables and meats (be
sure to wash produce, particularly commercially grown
produce, thoroughly before eating using a diluted soap
solution)
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Avoid the use of toxic pesticides in your home and yard
(opt for natural pesticides that you can find in your
local health food store instead)
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Don't use pesticides for aesthetic purposes like killing
dandelions in your lawn
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Don't use chemical bug repellants, flea treatments or
lice shampoos
Recommended Reading
Double-Danger:
Fleas & Ticks and their Common Treatment Products
How
Your Endocrine System is Being Harmed by the Top 5 Home Toxins
Lice:
A Surprisingly Widespread Problem & the Shockingly Dangerous
Conventional "Solutions"
Sources
U.S.
EPA Organophosphate Pesticides
Illinois
Department of Public Health: Organophosphates
eMedicine:
Organophospahtes
Pesticides
Action Network: Pesticides in People