Organophosphates - Helm

Organophosphates are made up of many compounds including phosphorus which is commonly used in pesticides. They were discovered during the 19th century, but didn't become recognized as dangerous until this poison was used during World War 2 by the German military as a neurotoxin.


Image: http://political-cleanup.org/pcu_test/images/Organophosphate_svg1.png


Common Uses for Organophosphates:
- insecticides/pesticides in agriculture


Dangers:
- There are chemicals in organophosphates that are used to stop the brain and nerve cells in insects, but these chemicals can impair the brains and nervous systems of humans as well.


Treatment:
- Although there is no definite vaccine for organophosphates, there are several things you can do to protect yourself once you have been poisoned. First thing would be to get out of the infested area, and move to a safer place. Next you should remove contaminated clothes and discard of them immediately, after this you should wash infected areas. If you have ingested this poison, you can go to the hospital and get your stomach pumped, it is also not uncommon for a person to be given activated charcoal to drink.


Since there are many chemicals involved in organophosphates, I chose to narrow my research down to just one, so the physical/chemical properties would be accurate. I chose one of the more common organophosphates, Diazinon.
Physical Properties:
- molecule weight is 304.35
- it can be colourless, to pale yellow, to dark brown
- opaque
- faint "ester" like smell
- boiling point is 83-84 degrees Celcius


Chemical Properties:
- non flammable
- flash point is 82.2 degrees Celcius
- non corrosive


Chemical Formula: C₉H₁₀ClN₂O₅PS


I personally feel that this chemical should not be allowed to be used as a household chemical. Organophosphates are used in 38% of all pesticides in the world, mainly used in agriculture. Many farmers tend to get brain damage from this chemical, and don't even realize it due to the lack of symptoms that occur.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyn0UZR5V6I


Sources: A Review of the Scientific Literature as it Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses, Volume 8: Pesticides, Gary Cecchine, Beatrice A. Golomb, Lee H. Hilborne, Dalia M. Spektor, C. Ross Anthony, MR-1018/8-OSD, 2000.

Frances M Dyro, MD Chief of the Neuromuscular Section, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Westchester Medical Center Frances M Dyro