PARATHION Meaning and
Definition
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Parathion is a highly toxic organophosphate insecticide that is widely used in agricultural practices to control a variety of pests, including insects and mites. It is an extremely potent compound that acts by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By disrupting this process, parathion leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine, causing excessive stimulation of the central nervous system and subsequent paralysis of the target pests.
Parathion is available in various formulations such as liquids, granules, and dusts, and it can be applied through aerial spraying, ground spraying, or seed treatments. Due to its high toxicity and persistence in the environment, parathion poses substantial risks to human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure or ingestion of this compound can result in severe poisoning symptoms, including nausea, headaches, muscle weakness, respiratory distress, and even death.
In many countries, including the United States, the use of parathion has been highly regulated or even banned due to its harmful effects. However, it is still employed in some regions where its benefits in pest control are perceived to outweigh the associated risks. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of parathion are crucial in order to mitigate the potential for accidental exposure and the contamination of water supplies, soil, and non-target organisms.
Overall, parathion is an extremely toxic insecticide that is widely used in agricultural practices for pest control, but its use is increasingly limited due to its detrimental impact on human health and the environment.
Common Misspellings for PARATHION
Etymology of PARATHION
The word "parathion" is derived from its chemical structure. It is a combination of "para-" and "thion".
"Para" is a prefix that comes from the Greek word "para" (παρά), meaning "beside" or "alongside". In chemistry, it often indicates a substitution pattern where two substituents are on opposite sides of a benzene ring.
"Thion" is a suffix that refers to a class of chemical compounds containing a sulfur atom. It comes from the Greek word "thio" (θεῖο), meaning "sulfur".
Therefore, when combined, "para" and "thion" form "parathion", suggesting a molecule with substituents positioned alongside a sulfur atom.
Similar spelling words for PARATHION
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