Monitoring data on field-worker exposure studies show that prolonged or continued use of
monocrotophos in plant protection may lead to significant dermal exposure with an impact on
cholinesterase activity. Although oral uptake (suicide) is more hazardous than dermal exposure (spray work), both exposure routes may be potentially fatal. On the other hand, prompt
therapy is successful even after a heavy oral dose. The epidemiological review did not reveal a prominent risk scenario. Justification of
monocrotophos use depends on agricultural need and appropriate safety measures. Eighteen cases of
monocrotophos poisoning have been identified in the literature and from the manufacturer's case file. Seven cases were occupational, and nine resulted from suicide attempts. One case was a nonprofessional accident, and one was recorded without details. Further
monocrotophos poisoning cases may be concealed in the unspecified data on
poisoning among tropical farming communities. However, the fact remains, that only a small number of reliably reported
poisoning cases are attributable to
monocrotophos products, and the reports confirm the efficacy of basic medical attention to
poisoning. This is in contrast to the high hazard classification and to the high perceived hazard of the products in question. Safetywise,
monocrotophos appears to be better than its reputation. A level of safety precautions normally recommended for
pesticide work is sufficient, even under large-scale professional use conditions, to utilize
monocrotophos safely.