Malathion

Malation is an organophosphorus pesticide, with chemical name 0,0-dimethyl-S-(1,2-dicarbethoxyethyl) dithiophosphate. Malathion kills insects by interfering with the action of important enzymes in the nervous system, resulting in paralysis of the respiratory system causing death. Malathion is one of the safest organophosphorus pesticides, being only slightly toxic to humans and other mammals.

A yellowish, liquid organic phosphorous compound that is used as an insecticide. It has fairly low toxicity to humans and other mammals, and is especially effective against the Mediterranean fruit fly.

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From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.