What You Should
Know About
Organophosphate
Poisoning
Symptoms
Complications
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Outlook
Overview
Organophosphates are a common class of insecticides. But large doses
of organophosphates can also harm people and other animals.
Organophosphate poisoning can occur when you’re exposed to them
for too long or at high levels.
Organophosphates are typically colorless-to-brown liquids at room
temperature. Some may be unscented, while others have a fruit-like
smell.
Researchers say as many as 25 million agricultural workers across the
developing world have at least one episode of organophosphate
poisoning per year. It’s being seen with more frequency in areas where
there is limited access to insecticide safety gear, such as suits and
breathing apparatuses.
Terrorist use of organophosphates is rare, but it has occurred. Sarin, an
organophosphate poison, has been intentionally used twice in terrorist
attacks in Japan.
What are the symptoms of
organophosphate poisoning?
Organophosphate poisoning can be short- or long-term. It can be
caused by large or small doses. The longer the exposure and the larger
the dose, the more toxic the effects. Symptoms can occur within several
minutes or hours of exposure.
Mild organophosphate exposure may cause:
narrowed, pinpointed pupils
impaired, blurry vision
stinging eyes
runny nose
watery eyes
excess saliva
glassy eyes
headache
nausea
muscle weakness
muscle twitching
agitation
Moderate signs of organophosphate exposure include:
very narrowed pupils
dizziness
disorientation
coughing and wheezing
sneezing
difficulty breathing
drooling or excessive phlegm
muscle twitching and tremors
muscle weakness
fatigue
severe vomiting and diarrhea
involuntary urination and defecation
Emergency signs of organophosphate poisoning include:
very narrowed pupils
confusion
agitation
convulsions
excessive body secretions, including sweat, saliva, mucus, and
tears
irregular heartbeat
collapse
respiratory depression or arrest
coma
What are the complications of
organophosphate poisoning?
Organophosphate poisoning can cause several serious complications.
These include:
metabolic disorders, such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
and glycosuria (excess sugar in urine)
diabetic ketoacidosis, in which your blood produces excess blood
acids
pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas
cancer
neurological problems, such as muscle weakness and twitching,
poor concentration, poor memory, and post-traumatic stress disorder
fertility problems
paralysis
Complications tend to become worse the longer and more intensely you
are exposed to organophosphates.
What causes organophosphate
poisoning?
The people most at-risk for unintentional organophosphate poisoning
are those who live or work on or near farms. You can also get
organophosphate poisoning by consuming contaminated food or water.
The most common unintentional exposure routes are through breathing
and contact with the skin.
People who intentionally expose themselves to organophosphates tend
to inhale and ingest it. These concentrated, high doses are often fatal.
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How is organophosphate
poisoning diagnosed?
If you suspect you were exposed to some type of harmful chemical, your
doctor will work to determine which is affecting you. There are subtle
differences between the effects of various types of poisons.
Organophosphate poisoning is distinguished from other types of
poisoning by a very fast onset of symptoms.
If you have symptoms of organophosphate poisoning, your doctor try to
determine how severely you were exposed. They will do this through
blood and urine tests.
How is organophosphate
poisoning treated?
The first goal of treating emergency cases is stabilization. Emergency
care workers will:
decontaminate your body to prevent further exposure
stabilize your breathing
use intravenous fluids to flush your system of toxins
In non-emergency cases, healthcare providers will still administer some
supportive therapy. They’ll pay close attention to your breathing.
Respiratory function is weakened by organophosphate exposure.
Doctors may administer a drug called atropine to stabilize your
breathing. They may also administer pralidoxime, which can help relieve
neuromuscular problems. In severe cases, doctors often
prescribe benzodiazepines to prevent or stop seizures.
If you have been exposed to organophosphates in small doses and
don’t need to be hospitalized, you may administer a low dose of
atropine to yourself using a commercially prepared injection:
Age and weight Dose
adults and children who weigh more than 90 pounds (41
2 milligrams (mg)
kilograms)
children weighing 42 to 90 pounds (19 to 41 kilograms) 1 mg
children weighing less than 42 pounds (19 kilograms) 0.5 mg
An injection of 10 mg diazepam is recommended for people exposed to
chemical attacks of organophosphates.
What’s the outlook for
organophosphate poisoning?
Organophosphate poisoning is a serious medical condition, no matter
how small the dose. Long, high-intensity exposures are the most
concerning. See a doctor right away if you believe you’ve been exposed
to organophosphate chemicals. Seek emergency treatment immediately
if you’re displaying severe signs of poisoning.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention right away if you or
someone you know has attempted suicide with organophosphates or
any other method. If you or someone you know is thinking about
suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
If you can safely prevent a person from attempting suicide, do so and
take them to a hospital right away.
