Organic Phosphates in Pesticides

Commonly Used Organic Phosphate Pesticides

• Malathion is the most commonly used organophosphate pesticide. Toxic organic phosphates are also contained in many rose and flower dusts and sprays. Vegetable dust products intended to eradicate harmful insect pests often contain organophosphates. Manufacturers are not required to identify them when they are used as inert ingredients. Roach, flea and termite sprays may contain organophosphates, as well as pet flea control products.
  
  

Inert Ingredients

• Synthetic organophosphate compounds are commonly used as solvents in pesticides. They are listed as "inert ingredients" on the label. Manufacturers of lawn enhancement products, weed control, insect sprays or fertilizers are not required by law to list the contents of their "inert ingredients." They are considered trademarked secrets and not revealed to the public. The synergistic effect of active and inert ingredients in pesticide products causes cell abnormalities and reproductive harm, according to a study at the University of Caen, France.
  
  

Toxic Effects

• Mothers exposed to organophosphate compounds in pesticide products may give birth to children with lower IQ levels, according to studies at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, University of California at Berkeley and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. It is the timing of the pesticide exposure rather than the amount that resulted in children with lower cognitive functioning. Organophosphate pesticide damage to the nervous system is considered irreversible.
  
  

Exposure to Organic Phosphate Compounds

• Memory impairment, ADHD, severe depression, confusion, nightmares, irritability, speech problems, insomnia and nausea are reported side effects of exposure to weed control and pesticide products made with active or inert ingredients containing synthetic organic phosphates. The organic phosphate parathion is identified by the EPA as a possible cancer causing chemical. Organic phosphate compounds are also linked with the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in later life.