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Although insecticides are commonly used in the agricultural industry, they can present serious health risks to humans if they are not handled properly. Of the many categories of insecticides—including carbamate insecticides, organochlorine insecticides, and pyrethroid insecticides—organophosphorus insecticides are most often implicated in poisonings, injuries, and illnesses. [26]

Exposure to organophosphates may occur by ingestion, inhalation, or contact with the skin. Farm workers, insecticide applicators, and manufacturers of these compounds may have higher levels of exposure and may be at greater risk for insecticide poisoning. [5] EMS personnel who respond to an incident in which insecticide poisoning is suspected are also at risk of exposure and poisoning.

DuoDote™ Auto-Injectors are indicated for the treatment of poisoning by organophosphorus nerve agents as well as organophosphorus insecticides.

Organophosphorus Insecticides
Organophosphorus insecticides, which are active against a broad spectrum of insects, account for about half of all insecticides used in the United States. In 2001, about 73 million pounds of organophosphates were used in the United States. [5] Recent reports show that there are over 100 types of these insecticides. Some of those most commonly used are chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, malathion, dimethoate, diazinon, azinphos-methyl, and fonofos. [27]

Exposure to a high concentration of organophosphorus insecticide can be very harmful. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, neurologic dysfunction, paralysis, and seizures. [5] These symptoms can be mild, or in some cases, quite severe.

Understanding and being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of poisoning by an organophosphorus insecticide or chemical nerve agent is an important step in properly responding to such a situation. Please click here to read a more detailed explanation of the physiologic effects of organophosphorus insecticide and chemical nerve agent poisoning.