Malathion

Malathion is a organophosphate parasympathomimetic which binds irreversibly to cholinesterase.

Related Topics:
Organophosphate - Parasympathomimetic - Cholinesterase

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Malathion is an insecticide of relatively low human toxicity.

Related Topics:
Insecticide - Toxicity

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However, Malathion breaks down into Malaoxon, which is 60 times more toxic than Malathion. For this reason, if Malathion is used or somehow enters an indoor environment, as it breaks down into Malaoxon, it can seriously and chronically poison the occupants living or working in this environmnent.

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In 1976, numerous malaria workers in Pakistan were poisoned by isomalathion, a common impurity in malathion, which is capable of inhibiting carboxyesterase enzymes in those exposed to it; the original toxicity evaluation for malathion had not anticipated isomalathion coexposure.

Related Topics:
1976 - Malaria - Pakistan - Carboxyesterase

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