Dimethylphosphate (DMP)

Optimal result: 0 – 5.2 mcg/g

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. DMP is a major metabolite of the following pesticides: methyl azinphos, methyl chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, dicrotophos, dimethoate, fenitrothion, fenthion, methyl isazaphos, malathion, methidathion, methyl parathion, naled, methyl oxydemeton, phosmet, and methyl pirimiphos. 

Possible treatment options:

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.

Dimethylphosphate (DMP) is a metabolite of organophosphates which are one of the most common causes of poisoning worldwide and are frequently intentionally used as pesticides. Organophosphates function by inhibiting the action of cholinesterase enzymes in nerve cells. They can be absorbed through the lungs or skin or by eating them on contaminated food. Even at low levels, organophosphates may be hazardous to the nervous system, especially for fetuses and young children.

Repeated or prolonged exposure may induce impaired memory and concentration, disorientation, severe depression, irritability, confusion, headache, speech difficulties, delayed reaction times, nightmares, sleepwalking, drowsiness, or insomnia. Organophosphates can also induce an influenza-like condition with headache, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and malaise. A direct correlation between usage of organophosphates and diabetes has also been reported among agricultural populations.

Dimethylphosphate (DMP)
Healthmatters dashboard showing biomarker trend graph

Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.

Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.

Start with my report →
Beyond Dimethylphosphate (DMP) — 10,000+ markers explained
One Dimethylphosphate (DMP) result tells you where you are. Your history tells you where you’re heading. Upload your past lab reports and see this marker — and every marker on them —every marker charted against your own lab’s ranges.
Start with this report →
Healthmatters timeline preview showing biomarker trends over time
Clinical Sources & References

All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.

Article Review Log
Written by Healthmatters Editorial Team
Healthmatters Lifetime Plan

Pay $250. Track your health forever

One payment. No renewals. Yours for life.

10,000+ biomarkers explained · trends over time

See other plans →
Secure checkout via Stripe · GDPR & HIPAA
We accept results from any lab
LabCorp Quest Diagnostics Genova Diagnostics DUTCH Test Doctor's Data Vibrant America ZRT Laboratory Cyrex Labs + any other lab

What members are saying

★★★★★ 10,000+ happy members
★★★★★

"Watching my numbers move over the years — instead of forgetting last time's results — completely changed how I manage my health."

Daniel
Member since 2022
★★★★★

"Living across several countries made keeping my lab results organized a real challenge. Healthmatters brought my results from the USA, Spain, and Germany together — 20 years of history, with long-term trends instead of scattered reports."

Ben
Member since 2021 · tracks across countries
★★★★★

"Standard lab ranges are too wide for how I practice — 'normal' isn't optimal. I set my own bands, so a client sees yellow before a marker goes officially out of range. That's the conversation I want to be having."

Dr. Alexandra
Functional medicine · 6 yrs on Pro