Organophosphorus compounds are organic compounds containing at least one phosphorus atom.

Applications and uses

Organophosphate compounds are widely used as pesticides, flame retardants and chemical warfare agents. For example, malathion is a commonly used pesticide, while sarin and VX are nerve agents used as chemical weapons.

Environmental impact and toxicity

Although some organophosphorus compounds are effective and less persistent than chlorinated hydrocarbons, they can be extremely toxic to humans and animals. Their use requires strict precautions to avoid harmful effects on health and the environment.

Regulations in France and Belgium

In France, organophosphorus compounds are subject to strict regulations to limit their impact on health and the environment. The Esteban national biomonitoring programme has measured levels of organophosphate pesticide impregnation in the French population. The industrial manufacture of organophosphorus compounds is also regulated, with restrictions on hazardous substances and mixtures.

In Belgium, regulations are aligned with European directives, in particular the REACH regulation (EC no. 1907/2006) and the regulation on persistent organic pollutants (EU 2019/1021). The Royal Decree of 16 November 2023 amended the code on well-being at work to include stricter occupational exposure limit values for certain chemical agents, including organophosphorus compounds.