[Biochemical basis of the effect of organophosphate pesticides on humans]

Abstract

The rapidly increasing use of organophosphorous compounds in everyday life causes that greater attention should be paid to the toxic effect exerted by these compounds on human organism. Acute toxic effects have been relatively well known whereas chronic effects require further studies. It is essential especially in view of progressive pollution of environment. The report presents data on the mechanism of action of organophosphorous compounds on human organism with particular regard to those effects which lead to the so called delayed neuropathy. The occurrence of that phenomenon as a result of single exposure to high concentrations of organophosphorous compounds as well as due to long-term exposure to the relatively low doses of those substances has been discussed.