ABSTRACT
Carbamates are crystalline solids with low vapor pressure and low water solubility. Carbamates are mainly used in agriculture as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and nematocides. In cases of occupational exposure carbamates are absorbed mainly through the skin and inhalation, and in small amounts — orally. Conjugates of the carbamate hydroxy products such as glucoronides, sulfates, and mercapturic acids are rapidly excreted by urine and feces. Prior enzyme inhibition by carbamates even prevents the neurotoxic effects of several organophosphorous compounds. For carbamate herbicides, especially phenylcarbamates, the mechanism of action is related to methemoglobinenia and hemopoietic disorders. Erythrocyte and plasma Cholinesterase are used to monitor exposure and systemic absorption of the carbamate insecticides. Cases of carbamate intoxication should be treated as an emergency. There are three main principles: to minimize the absorption, to give general supportive treatment, and to give specific pharmacological treatment.
