From the discovery of combat gases to insecticides and bioterrorism – a brief history

Abstract

The identification of organophosphate (OP) compounds dates back to the 1800s. OPare largely used pesticides in the agricultural field and households but prior use as a chemical weapon was considered during wars. Their toxicity on humans has been previously studied and addresses both acute intoxication and low-level chronic exposure. Symptoms of acute exposure describe a cholinergic syndrome with bradycardia, miosis, confusion, fasciculations, tearing, sialorrhea, diarrhea, bronchorrhea, and bronchospasm. The intermediate syndrome causes paralysis of the gait muscles, neck flexors, and respiratory failure. Moreover, unrestricted access to OP has increased the rate of suicide, accounting for around 30% of cases, increasing concern about OP availability. Western countries have drastically restricted access to OP by imposing regulations regarding handling these hazardous substances, but efforts have to be made to globally reduce this struggle