BACKGROUND Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are widely used in agriculture and homes. Animal studies suggest that even moderate doses are neurodevelopmental toxicants, but there are few studies in humans. OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship of prenatal and child OP urinary metabolite levels with children's neurodevelopment. METHODS Participating children were from a longitudinal birt...

The fine structure of pathological changes was examined in the optic nerve and retina of beagle dogs after oral administration by capsule of the organophosphate pesticide ethylthiometon for 2 years. The optic nerve was invariably affected, and the number of myelinated axons markedly reduced. These were substituted for by delicate processes of astrocytes. Changes in the retina were mild and main...

Strong evidence now supports the notion that organophosphate pesticides damage the fetal brain and produce cognitive and behavioral dysfunction through multiple mechanisms, including thyroid disruption. A regulatory ban was proposed, but actions to end the use of one such pesticide, chlorpyrifos, in agriculture were recently stopped by the Environmental Protection Agency under false scientific ...

Off-site movement of pesticides into groundwater or surface water has been detected. The movement of organophosphate insecticides into surface water, and the movement of winter-dormant herbicide sprays into groundwater are the primary concerns for alfalfa. A number of measures are suggested that may be useful to help mitigate these problems, but must be integrated with specific limitations and ...