Organophosphates - extremely hazardous pesticides

The second generation of insecticides developed were based on organophosphates. These pesticides are much less persistent than the organochlorines but they are also much more toxic. 

Byproducts of nerve agents developed during World War II, organophosphate pesticides are neurotoxins that can attack the nervous system. Exposure to organophosphates can cause dizziness, vomiting, seizures, paralysis, loss of mental function, and death. Almost half of all the WHO class 1a and 1b pesticides are organophosphates. (1a, extremely hazardous; 1b, highly hazardous)

Many organophosphate pesticides have been banned or their use has been severely restricted in many countries. 

http://www.fao.org/

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