Biology

Organochlorines are substances that control the infestations of pests. However, it was found out that organochlorines take too long to break-down in the environment. This means that organochlorines remains toxic for a long time. Organochlorines then were banned. Organophosphates replaced organochlorines since OPs break down faster than organochlorines (Keen).

Organophosphates are known worldwide as pest-control agents. They are the most widely used insecticides in the U.S because of they can be applied to a wide range of crops for a relatively cheaper price compared to other insecticides (Pesticide Action Network North America, 2008). However, workers using organophosphates were found out to suffer toxicity symptoms that offer great risks to their lives.

Workers, especially farmers are greatly affected by the toxic effects of organophosphates. OPs can be absorbed cutaneously. It can also be inhaled and ingested. This results to acute and chronic health threats to workers or farmers.

Acute and Chronic effects of Organophosphates to Workers
Organophosphates are noted to be acutely toxic. However, its constituents vary in their levels of toxicity. Organophosphates can be divided into three groupschlorfenvinphos (most toxic), dichlorvos, and Malathion (least toxic). An acute effect of organophosphate is related to nerve impulses because of the ability of organophosphates to block the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase important in the degradation of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the chemical that delivers the message from one neuron to another (nerve impulse). Without cholinesterase, acetylcholine neurotransmitters will pile up that will cause the interference in nerve impulse transmissions. Other acute effects of poisoning include the following symptoms excessive sweating, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weakness, headaches, poor concentration and tremors. Little is known on the chronic effects of organophosphates since the observed symptoms may be accounted to severe acute toxicity exposure (Minton  Murray, 1988, pp. 350-375).

Muscarinic, Nicotinic and CNS effects to Workers
Since farmers are the most frequent individuals who are exposed in organophosphates, they are at risk to organophosphate poisoning that have three groups of effects muscarinic, nicotinic and CNS effects. Muscaniric effects include lacrimation and diaphoresis (Glandular), salivation, urination, diarrhea and GI upset (Gastrointestinal), miosis and blurred vision (ocular), bradycardia and hypotension (Cardiovascular), bronchospasm and bronchorrhea (Respiratory). Nicotinic effects include include muscle fasciculation, cramping, weakness, and diaphragmatic failure. Central Nervous System effects include anxiety, emotional liability, restlessness, confusion, ataxia, tremors, seizures, and coma (Minton  Murray, 1988, pp. 350-375).

Other Health Threats of OP to Workers
Other health effects include Psychiatric, Cardiac, and Ocular effects. Studies show that the use of OPs by farmers puts then in high risks to depression, the major factor in suicides. OPs affect the cardiovascular system by decreasing the hearts pulse rate. Myocarditis is also a condition seen to be related to occupational use of Organophosphates. OPs also cause eye defects. Agricultural use of OP is accounted to the increased incidence of myopia or short sightedness. Saku disease which is an advanced ocular disease syndrome is also associated to occupational use of OP (Minton  Murray, 1988, pp. 350-375).

Laws and Regulations to Protect Workers against Organophosphate Chemicals
 Due to the increased incidences of organophosphate poisoning of workers especially the farmers, the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA conducted several regulations in order to control the use of harmful chemicals such as Organophosphates and Organochlorines.

EPA controls the use of chemicals such as organophosphates with the help of two federal statues-- the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).

Pesticides are being reviewed based on its threatened health risks under The  HYPERLINK httpwww4.law.cornell.eduuscode7ch6.html Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Insecticides and other chemicals are reviewed and registered for their specified uses. Also, this act encompasses the authority of EPA to suspend or cancel the registration of a pesticide given that evidences show the bad effects of the chemical.

The  HYPERLINK httpagriculture.senate.govLegislationCompilationsFifraFIFRA.pdf l page97 Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) of 2003 handles the registration actions wherein a registration service fee is required to register the chemical as Antimicrobial, Biopesticide or Pollution Preventor.

EPA is authorized by The  HYPERLINK httpwww4.law.cornell.eduuscode21ch9.html Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to regulate the maximum tolerance levels for pesticide uses in order to protect the workers together with their children. If the pesticide did not meet the required tolerance level, EPA is authorized to disapprove the use of the pesticide.

These set of Rules were set for the benefit of the occupational workers that are frequently exposed to organophosphates or pesticides. With the aid of these acts, it is expected to have a decreased number of pesticides poisoning of workers especially the farmers.

Personal Protective Equipment to Prevent OP Poisoning
Before handling a certain chemical, it is important to read the labels and precautions in order to prevent poisoning and other harmful effects of the chemical. Read the necessary clothing and equipment that must be used before using the chemical.

Gloves can be either waterproof or chemical-resistant, either way, know the proper type of gloves that is most suitable. In this way, dermal exposure to chemicals is prevented. Also consider the thickness of the glove in order to achieve higher protection to your skin. Note that the longer the gloves, the better.

Proper footwear is also needed. Again read the label of the pesticide you will use to know whether you need to use a chemical-resistant sock or not. To protect the eyes and face, invest on safety glasses or goggles that will prevent the splashing of the chemical to your eyes. Face shields should be worn with goggles or glasses.

Hats and hoods are important equipment as head protections. Use a chemical-resistant headgear. Some chemicals require an apron as a protection for the body. Several types of aprons may be used. Face masks are also important to prevent inhalation of the chemical or pesticides. The pesticide labels will help you choose the appropriate mask to use. It is important and necessary to invest on safety equipment in order to prevent the harmful effects of organophosphates and other pesticides. Basic knowledge on the chemical is needed to know the proper equipment to be used.