Episode 54: From Nits to Novichok — A Deep Dive into Organophosphates

This week on The Tox Lab, we’re taking a closer look at organophosphates, a diverse group of compounds used everywhere from agriculture to chemical warfare.

We walk through two real-world poisoning cases: an accidental exposure from a head lice treatment and an intentional ingestion of phorate, illustrating just how wide the spectrum of organophosphate toxicity can be. Along the way, we break down their mechanism of action, why their effects can be so severe, and the key treatment approaches clinicians depend on.

We also revisit the Salisbury poisonings, exploring the devastating impact of organophosphate nerve agents and the wider implications for public health and emergency response.

Join us as we unpack the chemistry, the clinical realities, and the far-reaching consequences of these powerful compounds.

Hope you enjoy!

Links to the papers we discussed:

https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkaf096/8300174?redirectedFrom=fulltext

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2025.1581362/full

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab

Email us here: [email protected]