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] The average of two baseline respective cholinesterase activity determinations three days apart, with no exposures to enzyme inhibiting pesticides for at least 30 days, is recommended for each worker prior to exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors because of large inter-individual differences in published baseline values. To be established at least once a year. Removal from workplace exposures is recommended until the cholinesterase activity returns to within 20% of baseline. [TLVs and BEIs]

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

EXTOXNET PIP - PARATHION

Acetylcholinesterase activity in red blood cells = 70% of individual's baseline; Butylcholinesterase activity in serum or plasma = 60% of individual's baseline; Sample at end of shift; [TLVs and BEIs]

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)