Some data may have been extracted from scientific literature using a pipeline that uses large language models (LLMs). Source articles are cited where applicable to help verify the extracted relationships.
Parathion belongs to the thiophosphoric acid esters, a subclass of organic thiophosphoric acids and derivatives within the organic compounds. This exogenous compound has the formula C10H14NO5PS and an average molecular weight of 291.26 g/mol. At room temperature, it exists as a liquid.
Parathion is an agrochemical used as a pesticide (PMC11082906 , PMC12293878 ), an avicide (PMC11082906 , PMC12293878 ), an acaricide, and an industrial biocide (PMC11082906 , PMC12293878 ). It is further classified as an organophosphate insecticide (PMC12824989 , PMC8348328 ) and an insecticide for biological and industrial use (PMC9513985 , PMC12138787 ). Biologically and chemically, it acts as an inhibitor of cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) and acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7). Its active metabolite, paraoxon, inactivates acetylcholinesterase by phosphorylating the active site of the enzyme, which inhibits activity at the motor end-plate and in the nervous system; this leads to the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction or nerve synapse, resulting in overstimulation of cholinergic end organs. Other protein targets include Cytochrome P450 1A1, 1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 11 additional proteins.
Recorded exposure routes include oral intake. The compound is found in or released from 30 recorded sources, including drinking water, floors, key rings, various electrical and electronic equipment, household cleaning and consumer products, and food processing activities. Health effects associated with parathion include cancer (PMC11757986 ), miscarriage (PMC7103533 ), asthma (PMC7103533 ), inflammation (PMC5220052 ), and an increase in weight gain (PMC5325319 ). Additionally, parathion is elevated in the blood of individuals with colorectal cancer (PMC5737552 ).
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenyl thiophosphates. These are organothiophosphorus compounds that contain a thiophosphoric acid O-esterified with a phenyl group.
carcinogenic agent (PMC8703387 , PMC5132635 )?A role played by a chemical compound which is known to induce a process of carcinogenesis by corrupting normal cellular pathways, leading to the acquistion of tumoral capabilities.
EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor (PMC9530410 , PMC10177384 )?An EC 3.1.1.* (carboxylic ester hydrolase) inhibitor that interferes with the action of enzyme acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7), which helps breaking down of acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid.
P450 inhibitor (PMC3748599 )?An enzyme inhibitor that interferes with the activity of cytochrome P450 involved in catalysis of organic substances.
EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor ?An EC 3.1.1.* (carboxylic ester hydrolase) inhibitor that interferes with the action of cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8).
teratogenic agent (PMC11821682 )?A role played by a chemical compound in biological systems with adverse consequences in embryo developments, leading to birth defects, embryo death or altered development, growth retardation and functional defect.
Parathion is a cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. A cholinesterase inhibitor (or 'anticholinesterase') suppresses the action of acetylcholinesterase. Because of its essential function, chemicals that interfere with the action of acetylcholinesterase are potent neurotoxins, causing excessive salivation and eye-watering in low doses, followed by muscle spasms and ultimately death. Nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by binding a serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely. Acetylcholine esterase breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released at nerve and muscle junctions, in order to allow the muscle or organ to relax. The result of acetylcholine esterase inhibition is that acetylcholine builds up and continues to act so that any nerve impulses are continually transmitted and muscle contractions do not stop. Among the most common acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are phosphorus-based compounds, which are designed to bind to the active site of the enzyme. The structural requirements are a phosphorus atom bearing two lipophilic groups, a leaving group (such as a halide or thiocyanate), and a terminal oxygen.
3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (13)
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Symptoms
Parathion exposure can result in headaches, convulsions, poor vision, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, unconsciousness, tremor, dyspnea, and finally lung-edema as well as respiratory arrest. (14)
Treatment
If the compound has been ingested, rapid gastric lavage should be performed using 5% sodium bicarbonate. For skin contact, the skin should be washed with soap and water. If the compound has entered the eyes, they should be washed with large quantities of isotonic saline or water. In serious cases, atropine and/or pralidoxime should be administered. Anti-cholinergic drugs work to counteract the effects of excess acetylcholine and reactivate AChE. Atropine can be used as an antidote in conjunction with pralidoxime or other pyridinium oximes (such as trimedoxime or obidoxime), though the use of '-oximes' has been found to be of no benefit, or possibly harmful, in at least two meta-analyses. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist, and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine peripherally.
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. There are over 100 types of cancers affect humans. The risk of developing certain cancers can be reduced by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, vaccination against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat and avoiding too much sunlight exposure. Cancer is often treated with some combination of radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The majority of cancers, some 90–95% of cases, are due to genetic mutations from environmental and lifestyle factors. The remaining 5–10% are due to inherited genetics.
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. There are over 100 types of cancers affect humans. The risk of developing certain cancers can be reduced by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, vaccination against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat and avoiding too much sunlight exposure. Cancer is often treated with some combination of radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The majority of cancers, some 90–95% of cases, are due to genetic mutations from environmental and lifestyle factors. The remaining 5–10% are due to inherited genetics.
A bronchial disease that is characterized by chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The disease has symptom recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), has symptom chest tightness, has symptom shortness of breath, has symptom mucus production and has symptom coughing. The symptoms appear due to a variety of triggers such as allergens, irritants, respiratory infections, weather changes, exercise, stress, reflux disease, medications, foods and emotional anxiety. (DO)
A glucose metabolism disease characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. (DO)
A glucose metabolism disease characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. (DO)
A glucose metabolism disease characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. (DO)
A disorder characterized by a sensation of marked discomfort in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve. (NCI CTCAE)
Groundwater?Groundwater serves as a vital resource for drinking water and agricultural irrigation but is increasingly susceptible to contamination from synthetic chemicals.
Stormwater runoff?Stormwater runoff refers to the flow of rainwater or melted snow that does not soak into the ground and instead collects pollutants as it travels over impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots.
Drinking water?Drinking water can be a medium for synthetic chemical contamination, often originating from various industrial processes and agricultural practices.
Ballast water?Ballast water, taken on by ships to maintain stability and balance, often contains a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and plankton.
Bilge water?Bilge water is a byproduct generated from the accumulation of water in the lowest part of a ship's hull, which may include a mixture of seawater, oil, fuel residues, and various contaminants.
Floors?Floors in built environments can be a significant source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and finishes used in their construction.
Amplifiers?Amplifiers, commonly used in various electronic devices to enhance signal strength, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and processes involved in their production and disposal.
Antennas?Antennas, commonly used in communication technologies, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination through the materials and coatings used in their construction.
Conductors Or Conductive Bodies Characterised By The Conductive Materials?Conductors, or conductive bodies, are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, typically made from metals such as copper, aluminum, or silver.
Discharge Lamps?Discharge lamps, including fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, are commonly used for lighting applications due to their energy efficiency and brightness.
Electric Switches?Electric switches, integral components in numerous devices, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and manufacturing processes involved in their production.
Electrically Stimulated Smoking Devices?Electrically stimulated smoking devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, utilize electrical components to heat a liquid solution, often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, to produce an aerosol for inhalation.
Electrodes?Electrodes, used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials from which they are constructed and the processes involved in their manufacturing.
Fixed Capacitors And Their Manufacture?Fixed capacitors are passive electronic components used to store and release electrical energy, playing a critical role in various circuits.
Hybrid Capacitors?Hybrid capacitors are energy storage devices that combine the properties of electrolytic and supercapacitors, utilizing a combination of electrochemical principles to achieve higher energy density and power density.
Magnets?Magnets, commonly used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials used in their production.
Still Video Cameras?Still video cameras, which capture images in digital format, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and components used in their production and operation.
Television Systems?Television systems can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the various materials and components used in their manufacture and operation.
Thin Magnetic Films?Thin magnetic films are layers of magnetic material ranging from a few nanometers to several micrometers in thickness, commonly used in applications such as magnetic sensors, data storage devices, and electronic components.
Food Preservation?Food preservation often involves the use of synthetic chemicals, such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and color additives, to extend shelf life and enhance the sensory qualities of food products.
Molasses And Treatment Of Molasses?Molasses is a thick, viscous byproduct of sugar production, derived from the extraction of sugar cane or sugar beet juice.
Preparation Of Vinegar?Vinegar is produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria, resulting in a solution that typically contains 4-8% acetic acid.
Preparation Of Wine Or Sparkling Wine?The preparation of wine or sparkling wine involves various stages, including fermentation, aging, and bottling, which can introduce potential sources of synthetic chemical contamination.
Bleaching Agents?Bleaching agents are chemical substances used to whiten or lighten materials, often employed in various cleaning products for their stain removal and disinfecting properties.
Perfumes Within Detergents And Soaps?Perfumes within detergents and soaps are synthetic fragrance compounds added to enhance the sensory experience of cleaning products.
Soap Detergents?Soap detergents are synthetic surfactants designed to enhance the cleaning efficacy of water by reducing surface tension, allowing for better interaction with dirt and grease.
Tobacco Product Cases?Tobacco product cases can serve as a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the presence of various additives and chemicals used in tobacco processing and product manufacturing.
Tobacco Smoke Filters?Tobacco smoke filters are designed to reduce the inhalation of harmful substances in cigarette smoke, including tar and other particulate matter.
Making Cigars?The process of making cigars involves several steps, including the cultivation of tobacco, fermentation, and the application of various additives to enhance flavor and preservation.
Manufacture Of Iron Or Steel?The manufacture of iron or steel involves various processes, including smelting, refining, and alloying, which can result in the release of synthetic chemicals and contaminants.
Manufacture Preparation Of Tobacco Products?The manufacture and preparation of tobacco products involve various processes that can result in the introduction of synthetic chemicals into the environment.
Paper Making Machines?Paper making machines utilize various synthetic chemicals throughout the production process, including additives, coatings, and bleaching agents.
Anchoring Equipment?Anchoring equipment, commonly used in marine applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and coatings utilized in their manufacturing.
Marine Propulsion Or Steering?Marine propulsion and steering systems often rely on various synthetic chemicals, including lubricants, fuels, and hydraulic fluids.
Chemosterilants?Chemosterilants are synthetic chemicals designed to induce sterility in target pest populations, thereby controlling their reproduction and mitigating damage to crops.
Fertiliser Distributors?Fertiliser distributors play a critical role in the supply of synthetic fertilizers, which are widely used to enhance soil fertility and crop yield.
Lawn Mowers?Lawn mowers, particularly those powered by gasoline, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the combustion of fossil fuels and the use of engine oils.
Molluscicides?Molluscicides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control and eliminate mollusks, such as snails and slugs, which can be detrimental to crops and agricultural productivity.
Nematocides?Nematocides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that can cause significant damage to crops and plants.
Rodenticides(1)?Rodenticides are synthetic chemicals specifically formulated to control rodent populations, serving as a crucial tool in managing pests that can damage crops and spread diseases.
Rodenticides?Rodenticides are chemical substances specifically designed to control rodent populations by causing death through various mechanisms, including anticoagulation or neurotoxicity.
Aftersun Products?Aftersun products are designed to soothe and hydrate the skin after sun exposure, often containing various synthetic chemicals such as emollients, preservatives, and fragrances.
Anti Perspirants Or Body Deoderants?Antiperspirants and body deodorants commonly contain synthetic chemicals such as aluminum compounds, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Depilatories?Depilatories are products designed to remove unwanted hair through the application of synthetic chemicals that break down the protein structure of hair, facilitating its removal.
Essential Oils Or Perfumes?Essential oils and perfumes are complex mixtures of volatile compounds derived from natural or synthetic sources, commonly used for their aromatic properties.
Eye Makeup Products?Eye makeup products, including mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as pigments, preservatives, and film-forming agents.
Lip Care Products?Lip care products, including lipsticks, balms, and glosses, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Lip Makeup Products?Lip makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including pigments, preservatives, and emollients.
Buckles?Buckles, commonly used as fasteners in clothing, accessories, and furniture, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and coatings employed in their production.
Embroidering And Tufting?Embroidering and tufting processes often involve the use of synthetic chemicals such as dyes, adhesives, and finishing agents.
Footwear?Footwear production often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, such as adhesives, dyes, and treatments, which can contribute to environmental contamination.
Multicolour Dyeing?Multicolour dyeing involves the application of multiple synthetic dyes to textiles and other materials to achieve vibrant, diverse color patterns.
Ropes?Ropes manufactured from synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, nylon, and polyester, are widely used in various applications, including marine, construction, and outdoor activities.
Surface Finishing Of Leather?Surface finishing of leather often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, including dyes, resins, and finishing agents.
Yarns Or Threads?Yarns or threads used in textiles can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the production processes and treatments they undergo.
Airplanes And Helicopters?Airplanes and helicopters are significant sources of synthetic chemical contamination primarily through the use of aviation fuels, lubricants, and de-icing agents.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles?Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, utilize various synthetic chemicals in their manufacturing, operation, and maintenance processes.
Nitrogenous Fertilisers?Nitrogenous fertilizers are synthetic chemical compounds primarily used to enhance plant growth by supplying essential nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
Cements?Cements are a composite material primarily used as a binding agent in construction applications, formed by the calcination of limestone and clay minerals at high temperatures.
Clay Wares?Clay wares are ceramic products made from natural clay, often utilized in various construction applications such as tiles, bricks, and sanitary ware.
Glass Coatings?Glass coatings are synthetic chemical formulations applied to glass surfaces to enhance properties such as durability, UV resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Lime?Lime, primarily comprised of calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is widely used in various applications, including as a key ingredient in mortars, plasters, and cement.
Silica Free Oxide Glass?Silica Free Oxide Glass is a type of glass that is produced using alternative materials to traditional silica-based formulations.
Silica Glass?Silica glass, primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), is widely used in various applications, including windows, glass facades, and insulation materials.
Nanotechnology?Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the molecular or atomic level, typically within the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
Pens?Pens, commonly utilized for writing and marking, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination primarily due to the materials used in their manufacturing.
Leather Tanning?Leather tanning is a process that transforms raw animal hides into durable leather through the application of various chemicals, including chromium salts, aldehydes, and vegetable tannins.
Sludge Treatment?Sludge treatment involves the processing of waste materials generated from wastewater treatment plants, which often contain a variety of organic and inorganic substances.
Water, Wastewater, & Sewage Treatment?Water, wastewater, and sewage treatment processes are critical for managing and mitigating pollutants in water systems.
The active metabolite of parathion, paraoxon, inactivates acetylcholinesterase by phosphorylating the active site of the enzyme, thus inhibiting its activity in the nervous system and at the motor end-plate. As a result, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine accumulates in the nerve synapse or neuromuscular junction, producing overstimulation of cholinergic end organs. (L634)
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Innocenti A, Supuran CT: Paraoxon, 4-nitrophenyl phosphate and acetate are substrates of alpha- but not of beta-, gamma- and zeta-carbonic anhydrases. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2010 Nov 1;20(21):6208-12. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.08.110. Epub 2010 Aug 26. [PubMed: 20833546]
Kawahara K, Tanaka A, Yoon J, Yokota A: Reclassification of a parathione-degrading Flavobacterium sp. ATCC 27551 as Sphingobium fuliginis. J Gen Appl Microbiol. 2010 Jun;56(3):249-55. [PubMed: 20647682]
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