Organophosphates and carbamates

Organophosphates are organic compounds that contain phosphorus, while carbamates are salts or esters of carbamic acid. In different ways, organophosphates and carbamates tend to cause the nervous system to stop working properly. Some are used in fertilizers or as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fire retardants, or nerve agents.

Page last reviewed: August 14, 2008