OBSERVATIONS ON HUMAN EXPOSURE TO THE ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDE FENTHION IN NIGERIA.

The search for substitutes for chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides has led to the trial of organophosphorus compounds. Fenthion is promising as a residual spray in malaria eradication, but information on its human toxicology is scanty. In the work reported in this paper the inhabitants of a Nigerian village have been studied during a trial of fenthion. Moderate depressions of plasma cholinesterase were observed for five weeks after spraying, though there was no effect on red blood cell cholinesterase. A search was also made for other possible effects, including measurements of peak expiratory flow rate. No serious toxic effects were found.