COMBAT OF DOMESTIC CULPRIT BY PROPOXUR: THE ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITOR

Mona R. Patel, Jainik A. Khamar, Kinsuk K. Sarker, Abdullah B. Rupak and *Prof. Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen

ABSTRACT

Propoxur is an insecticide used to control cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and lawn and turf insects. Acute (shortterm) exposure of humans to propoxur by ingestion leads to cholinesterase inhibition of red blood cells, with mild cholinergic symptoms including blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, sweating and tachycardia; however, the effects are transient. Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure has resulted in depressed cholinesterase levels, headaches, vomiting, and nausea in humans. Chronic ingestion studies in animals have reported depressed cholinesterase levels, depressed body weight, effects to the liver and bladder and a slight increase in neuropathy. No information is available on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of propoxur in humans. Mixed results are available from cancer studies of propoxur in animals. EPA has not classified propoxur for carcinogenicity.

Keywords: Insecticide, Propoxur, Carbamate, Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor, Neurotoxicity.