Esters of organophosphorus acids: Toxicity, application and removal from the environment

Esters of organophosphorus acids (OPs) are widely used nowadays. They have an application as pesticides, drugs or chemical warfare agents. Their acute toxicity is ascribed to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a key enzyme in the transmission of nerve impulses in mammals. Their toxic effects are manifested by the accumulation of acetylcholine and can lead to the paralysis or death. OPs poisoning therapy is based on the application of specific antidotes as well as non-specific and symptomatic procedures. In this contribution, recent achievements concerning the protection from OPs activity and an overview of the methods for their removal from the environment and decontamination of contaminated persons were presented