Structure and Formula of Parathion
The following formula and structure determine the characteristic of the compound.
Parathion (O, O-diethy-O-p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) is an organophosphate compound.
FORMULA: C10H14NO5PS
STRUCTURE
Source:
In its purest form, Parathion is in the shape of white crystals. At room temperature, the physical characteristics may be described as a yellow-to-brown liquid with a pungent odour like garlic or rotten eggs; and tends to darken when exposed to sunlight. It is known to be slightly soluble in water at 25 degrees C, it is also slightly soluble in petroleum oils but is readily soluble when steeped in most organic solvents. Parathion is usually dissolved in a hydrocarbon or organic solvent prior to use.
The positive aspects of Parathion
Contrary to the dangers related to the use of a chemical pesticide, it is said to have helped millions of people in controlling malaria epidemics, especially in the Third World where the mosquito population would be rampant, if unchecked. It has helped cotton-growing countries to wipe out insects, stinkbugs and other pests that have plagued farmers for years and destroyed crops thus preventing food shortages. The Gross National Product (GNP) of several agricultural countries thrives on their ‘cash crop’ for generating foreign exchange for industrial and heavy duty machinery which is not available in their countries, as a result farmers willingly undertake the health risks.
While Parathion has helped to eradicate many deadly pests on agriculture farmlands, it has poisoned many farmers, cattle and marine life. The risk of this toxic substance has caused serious health effects, which have enforced laws against the liberal use of toxic material being used.
Issues surrounding exposure of Parathion to humans
The World Health Organisation has classified Parathion as hazardous and in a draft and safety guide mentioned “there are more reported cases of poisoning with Parathion than with any other pesticide currently in use". ()
Contact with Parathion through the skin or the mucous membrane (ingesting) will cause respiratory discomfort, coughing up blood, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, rapid perspiration, dizziness, constricted or dilated pupils, slurring of speech, trembling (seizures similar to epilepsy), weakness, fatigue, loss of bodily functions and irregular heartbeat. Eventually the person to slide into semi unconscious state or coma, leading to a fatal outcome, if the person is not treated promptly.
When ingested orally or through the skin and mucous membrane, Parathion is metabolized to Paraxon. Paraxon causes the oxygen to be replaced by the sulphur atom in the blood stream. The presence of sulphur in the metabolism, gave rise to myriad symptoms mentioned above. Red Blood Cells and plasma activity have been reduced considerably, when humans are exposed to Parathion. Poison absorbed by the human metabolism is retained in the system for prolonged length of time.
The common and popular antidote available to counteract this form of poison is Atropine. The dosage recommended is 100mg daily as exceeding the prescribed amount is also poisonous and an overdose can prove to be unsafe rather than remedial.
Handling factors
Manufacturers of industrial chemicals using Parathion as part of their formula are advised to use a disclaimer warning, to all those who come in contact with this substance. Designated personnel and staff should only be made responsible if they have experience in managing poisonous substances as handling Parathion must be done carefully. It is therefore advised, that the use of protective clothing like gloves, body suits and respirator of the organic vapour type, be made mandatory when handling all chemical substances. Bathing after handling these substances is the best way to decontaminate the person.
Hands and body must be immediately washed with soap and disinfectant after the person handling toxic chemicals. Serious repercussions may give rise to careless and callous attitudes. There is strict regulation against polluting the environment with toxic and industrial waste.
Any industry or organization undertaking the use of Parathion needs to research extensively the cause and effect of this chemical substance. Negligence and improper care will not only pollute our environment, it will inevitably jeopardize the lives of humans, livestock and marine life, causing death and destruction.
Access to this information on Parathion is extensively available on several websites. Any and all information related to the chemical formulas and uses, to the dangers and cures of Parathion were found in detail. A quick trip to these sites will reveal adequate information, available to everyone to be put to good use.
To avoid accidents while handling and storing chemicals, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are provided with each chemical. Referring to the MSDS while dealing with Parathion is also vital, it helps you in minimizing the risk of accidents. See Appendix A for Parathion MSDS.
In a sentence, whenever dealing with Parathion in the laboratory, always wear protective gloves, clean protective clothing, and a respirator of the organic-vapor type.
Storage factors
Storage of this substance may cause problems if the safety procedure is not followed accurately.
The storage shed or sight where toxic chemicals are stored should be inaccessible to common public and unauthorized personnel. Children at all cost, must be protected from it. A small amount of leakage may cause human and animal mortality. Contamination of grain, when the chemical is transported alongside food supply could also lead to extensive number of deaths.
Parathion must not be stored on the bench surfaces. It should be isolated properly from exposure and participation in a fire situation. Parathion must have a specific storage area and be returned there after use.
Transportation
To transport this highly toxic liquid, safety precautions are very essential. Airtight and leak proof containers properly labelled with the word ‘Poison – Handle with Caution’ must be boldly displayed. It is imperative to avoid leakages, while transporting from city to city or across the country.
Transportation of chemicals is also a critical process – annually, many accidents occur while transporting chemicals from one place to another. Parathion must be transported placed or stored in properly labelled and leak proof containers, and must be kept away from containers of food and drinks. Drinking, eating and smoking in the laboratory must be banned and washing hands made mandatory after handling them. Washing facilities should be adequate enough and must be available every time throughout handling and must be made close to the place of handling of compounds.
Disposal
Parathion containers should either be burned or crushed and buried below topsoil. Extra care should be taken to avoid later pollution of water sources. Cleaning of containers in order to utilize them for other purposes must not be allowed.
Containers and urns carrying any poisonous and hazardous material, like the Parathion chemical must be discarded properly after use. Either the drums must be burned in an incinerator or buried deep, under the earth. Toxic waste should be discarded with care, in the chosen areas. Any traces of waste found seeped in water or dumped in open spaces of land, will give rise to contamination of marine life and wild life.
Bibliography
Pipitone D. and Hedberg D. 1982 "Safe Chemical Storage: A Pound of Prevention is Worth a Ton of Trouble" Journal of Chemical Education, 1978, Volume 59, Number 5
Galatsis P., 1999, Handbook of Reagents for Organic Synthesis: Acidic and Basic Reagents, (H. J. Reich, J. H. Rigby, eds.), pp12-15, , ,
Cornell Labratory Safety Laboratory Inspection Manual
MSDS, 2003, Mallinckrodt Baker: Phillipsburg, NJ, November 12
Barton, John, and Richard Rogers, Eds. 1993. Chemical Reaction Hazards: A Guide. Rugby, Warwickshire, England: Institution of Chemical Engineers.
Bretherick, L., Ed. 1986. Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory, 4th ed. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Royal Society of Chemistry.
Pohanish, Richard P. and Stanley A. Greene. 2003. Wiley Guide to Chemical Incompatibilities. 2nd ed. ed. Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley
Bretherick, L. 1990. Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, 4th ed. London: Butterworth.
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