toxicological profile for malathion - Agency for Toxic Substances and ...

MALATHION 146
3. HEALTH EFFECTS
plasma cholinesterase is present in about 3% of the population, and therefore, these individuals are
particularly sensitive to the effects of organophosphate pesticides.
As detailed in Section 3.9, subjects exposed to other pesticides that also inhibit carboxylesterase activity,
enzyme responsible for the detoxification of malathion in mammalian species, may be at higher risk of
exceeding thresholds for the manifestation of adverse effects when exposed simultaneously to malathion.
3.11 METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXIC EFFECTS
This section will describe clinical practice and research concerning methods for reducing toxic effects of
exposure to malathion. However, because some of the treatments discussed may be experimental and
unproven, this section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposures to malathion. When
specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical toxicologists should be consulted
for medical advice. The following texts provide specific information about treatment following exposures
to organophosphate pesticides:
Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al., eds. 1998. Goldfrank's toxicologic emergencies. 6 th
ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton and Lange.
Haddad LM, Shannon MW, Winchester JF, eds. 1998. Clinical management of poisoning and drug
overdose. 3 rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company.
Viccellio P, Bania T, Brent J, et al., eds. 1998. Emergency toxicology. 2 nd ed. Philadelphia, PA:
Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
3.11.1 Reducing Peak Absorption Following Exposure
The following information was extracted from the books listed above; specific chapters were written by
Aaron and Howland (1998), Carlton et al. (1998), and Osmundsen (1998). Following dermal
contamination with organophosphates, most texts recommend washing the skin with copious amounts of
soap and water, which may be followed by a second washing with ethyl alcohol. Ocular exposures
should have copious eye irrigation with normal saline or lactated Ringer’s solution (Aaron and Howland
1998). Contaminated clothing including leather garments should be destroyed. After oral ingestion,
activated charcoal is recommended for many organophosphates, although Carlton et al. (1998) note that it
may lack efficiency with some organophosphates such as for malathion. Osmundsen (1998) points out
that Ipecac should not be used for organophosphate poisoning. Cathartics may be unnecessary as