poison by Parathion and other Organic Phosphate Insecticides
This group of poisons not only includes parathion but also malathion, EPN, TEPP, and OMPA. These have come into wide use for destroying insect pests in crops. Cases of poisoning usually occur among farmers who use these insecticides or among persons or children who live close to where they are used. Persons in these categories should be educated concerning the dangers of these agents and the proper means of protection against poisoning. Poisoning can be caused by inhalation, by absorption through the skin, or by swallowing. The use of protective clothing and the custom of immediate washing of the skin after contact with the poison will serve to prevent many accidents. Early symptoms of poisoning are dizziness and a feeling of tightness in the chest. At this same early stage, the eye pupils become small. Two or more hours later the symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscular twitching. In unfavorable cases unconsciousness, convulsions, and death follow.
WHAT TO DO
Call for professional help. Using rubber gloves, the first-aider should remove
the victim's clothing and wash contaminated skin areas with soap and water. If the poison has been swallowed, follow PROCEDURE E on this post.
The drug atropine or atropine plus one of the drugs now available as an antidote for the organic phosphates (such as "2-PAM") are usually lifesaving. These drugs must be administered by a physician. Beyond this, keeping the patient breathing is the important item. Artificial respiration may be required for several hours.
