Parathion

56-38-2

C10-H14-N-O5-P-S

Pesticides

O,O-Diethyl-O-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphorothioate; Diethyl parathion; Ethylparathion; Parathion-ethyl; AC 3422; Alkron; Alleron; Aphamite; Corothion; E-605; Etilon; Fosferno 50; Niran;Orthophos; Panthion; Paramar; Paraphos; Parathene; Parawet; Phoskil; Rhodiatox; Soprathion; Stathion; Thiophos;

Organophosphate Insecticides

Pale-yellow to dark-brown liquid with a garlic-like odor. [Note: A solid below 43 degrees F.] [NIOSH]

In the U.S. parathion may be used only by licensed applicators on alfalfa, barley, corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, and wheat. [EXTOXNET]

Classified as "highly toxic," parathion has an LD50 in rats of 2 to 30 mg/kg; [EXTOXNET] A small number of the organophosphates (OPs) can Induce Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN). OPIDN usually occurs after ingestion and is usually nonoccupational. [Levy, p. 431] "Toxic inhalation of parathion vapor is unlikely at ordinary temperatures because of its low volatility, but toxic effects can occur after inhalation of parathion sprays or dusts." [ATSDR Medical Management]

Use on fruit, nut and vegetable crops cancelled by EPA in 1992; [EXTOXNET]

EXTOXNET PIP - PARATHION

Total p-nitrophenol in urine = 0.5 mg/g creatinine; sample at end of shift; Cholinesterase activity in red cells = 70% of individual's baseline, sample time discretionary; [ACGIH]

Yes

0.05 mg/m3, inhalable fraction and vapor

0.1 mg/m3

0.1 mg/m3, inhalable fraction

10 mg/m3

4.0E-5 mm Hg

ATSDR Medical Management - Parathion

Motor Neuropathy

Organophosphate

Not Classifiable

Not Classifiable

Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank:

• PARATHION

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Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Organophosphate & carbamates, acute poisoning

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Farming (Pesticides)