Diethylphosphate (DEP)

High exposure levels have been associated with attention deficit, memory impairment and pervasive developmental disorders. Exposure has also been linked to violent behavior, depression, suicide and may have played a role in the onset of Gulf War syndrome.

If levels are high, toxicity can be measured by decreased cholinesterase or pseudocholinesterase activity in plasma.

Acute toxicity is treated with atropine and /or pralidoxime. DEP is a major metabolite of the following pesticides: chlorethoxyphos, chlorpyriphos, coumaphos, diazinon, disulfoton, ethion, parathion, and phorate.

Organophosphate exposure can be reduced by eating organic foods, avoiding using pesticides in house or garden, avoiding residence near agricultural areas or golf courses, and staying indoors if insecticides are being sprayed. Lice shampoo, pet flea collars, and flea spray are also major sources of organophosphates. Remove sources of exposure if possible. Elimination of organophosphates can be accelerated by sauna treatment.

Organophosphates are one of the most toxic groups of substances in the world, primarily found in pesticide formulations. They are inhibitors of cholinesterase enzymes, leading to overstimulation of nerve cells, causing sweating, salivation, diarrhea, abnormal behavior, including aggression and depression. Children exposed to organophosphates have more than twice the risk of developing pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), an autism spectrum disorder. Maternal organophosphate exposure has been associated with various adverse outcomes including having shorter pregnancies and children with impaired reflexes.