What is parathion?

What is parathion?

• A. An organophosphate compound
• B. A heavy metal pesticide
• C. A chlorinated solvent
• D. A natural plant alkaloid

Answer: (A)

Parathion is an organophosphate pesticide. Organophosphates are synthetic chemicals used to kill insects, but they can be extremely toxic to humans because they inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine in nerve junctions. When this enzyme is blocked, acetylcholine accumulates, causing overstimulation of nerves and a range of toxic symptoms. That’s why parathion is tightly regulated and requires strict handling, monitoring, and emergency precautions in any worksite. It is not a heavy metal, not a chlorinated solvent, and not a natural plant alkaloid.

Parathion is an organophosphate pesticide. Organophosphates are synthetic chemicals used to kill insects, but they can be extremely toxic to humans because they inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine in nerve junctions. When this enzyme is blocked, acetylcholine accumulates, causing overstimulation of nerves and a range of toxic symptoms. That’s why parathion is tightly regulated and requires strict handling, monitoring, and emergency precautions in any worksite. It is not a heavy metal, not a chlorinated solvent, and not a natural plant alkaloid.