Organophosphorus and Carbamate Insecticides

Abstract

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides are used widely in agriculture, horticulture, and veterinary medicine. These insecticides also are used domestically and in public hygiene to control vectors of disease. Some OP compounds (e.g., malathion) are used to treat human infestation with scabies, head lice, and crab lice. Some 200,000 people die annually from the ingestion of an OP insecticide. Carbamate insecticides were developed in the 1950s in response to a search for insecticides with anticholinesterase activity but with greater specificity and lower mammalian toxicity than OP insecticides. Carbamates are used widely in many countries where agriculture is a major industry and pest control essential and are employed frequently as alternatives to OP insecticides.