Organophosphates: An Insecticide ingredient that is very dangerous!

• Posted on 2 April 2014
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in Which insecticides are dangerous for pets and humans
• 0

Organophosphate is a toxic substance, that is the basis for most insecticides, herbicides and nerve agents causing adverse effects to the development of fetuses and children. It is commonly abbreviated as “OP” but is the general name of esters of phosphoric acid that the Environmental Protection Agency (US Government) has listed as highly toxic to bees, wildlife and humans. Before we dive deeper into understanding how organophosphates affect our health we need to understand how and when they are used.

Organophosphate is a toxic substance, that is the basis for most insecticides, herbicides and nerve agents causing adverse effects to the development of fetuses and children. It is commonly abbreviated as “OP” but is the general name of esters of phosphoric acid that the Environmental Protection Agency (US Government) has listed as highly toxic to bees, wildlife and humans. Before we dive deeper into understanding how organophosphates affect our health we need to understand how and when they are used.

What are Organophosphates?

Insecticides are chemical substances used to kill insects at all life stages. Many folks use insecticides in or around their home for pest control. Insecticides are sometimes used directly on plants to deter pesky insects if they invade food crops. Most importantly, it is toxic and does leach into our food supply when used on your yard and especially if you are growing your own food in the surrounding area. Herbicides are known for killing unwanted weeds or plants that are growing in unique places that we dislike (sidewalk cracks, driveway, etc). There are several types of herbicides that are marketed. Some kill the plant structure, some stop germination of the seed, some kill specific plants and then there are those that kill the entire plant and all vegetation in the surrounding area. One of the most commonly known weed killers on the market is RoundUp made by the chemical company Monsanto. Nerve agents disrupt the mechanism by which nerves transfer messages to the organs by way of blocking acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that normally destroys acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter.

Side Effects of Insecticides

These chemical substances all act differently in how they scramble life forces. Some of the side effects from insecticides include disrupting nerve impulses, thereby disabling the insect with eventual death. Other symptoms include skin irritations, breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal issues, slow heart rate, convulsions, dizziness, weakness, coma and death. Even small amounts that are absorbed through the skin could be lethal. Side effects from herbicides aren’t much different but they are mainly known for respiratory damage, cancer, birth defects, brain disorders (such as Parkinson’s), reproductive problems and even death. Poisonings from nerve agents cause contraction of pupils, profuse salivation, convulsions, involuntary urination and eventual death by insufficient supply of oxygen to the respiratory system.

Symptoms of Overexposure

Organophosphates do not dissipate from the environment which then leads to accumulative danger to our land animals, fish and other wildlife such as birds. These chemicals have become mainstream with their usage and production. They affect our lives and our pets' lives. Organophosphates can simply be ingested by the airborne particles (especially by those who work on farms with crop spraying), soak into our systems when in contact with our skin surface (such as spraying RoundUp in your yard with a hand sprayer), be digested with contaminated food sources or toxic poisoning from working with the chemicals. These chemicals have an accumulative affect in the body. Over time it builds up until you begin to have unexplained symptoms. Immediate symptoms usually include headache, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, salivation, watery eyes and small pupils. Severe symptoms include seizures, slow pulse, difficulty breathing and coma. Long term exposure can show as confusion, anxiety, loss of memory, loss of appetite, disorientation, depression and personality changes.

How to Avoid Organophosphates

The best way to naturally avoid these symptoms is to simply avoid using any herbicides or insecticides at your home and on your property. It is also important to have clean water and food sources that are not contaminated. You can also help cleanse the body with liver and blood cleansing herbs such as burdock, yellow dock, thistles, red clover, dandelion root or Nature’s Sunshine Enviro-Detox. Most importantly, include your animals on this same protocol.