ABSTRACT
Organophosphorous compounds (OP) degradation in the environment, compared with organochlorine pesticides, is very fast. OPs are the most used group of pesticides worldwide in view of their efficiency and rapid degradation in the environment and living organisms. The principal mechanism of OP action is inhibition of cholinesterase activity, the enzyme performing the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid. The number of accidental and occupational poisonings from OP compounds seems to correlate well with their absolute toxicity. The literature data on chronic OP effects are difficult to evaluate because of the interference other toxic substances have during production or other pesticides have during application. The neurotoxic effects from OP insecticide exposure can be classified as either directly related to ChE inhibition or delayed neurotoxic actions. Long-term exposure to OP seems to produce visual impairment and eye abnormalities as well.
