Organophosphates and carbamates (OPCs) are the active ingredients in some insecticides. They can be used to control a wide range of horticultural pests, but are toxic to people and the environment.

Health risks

Because of the toxicity of organophosphates and carbamates (OPCs), you should only use insecticides with OPCs if there are no safer alternatives available and as part of an integrated pest management system.

You can be poisoned if you are exposed to OPCs through inhalation, ingestion or absorption through the skin. OPCs affect the nervous system and symptoms can vary in severity from nausea or dizziness to unconsciousness or even heart failure. There is also growing evidence to suggest that frequent long-term exposure to low levels of organophosphates may result in impaired memory, irritability, speech difficulties and sleep disorders.

Environmental risks

OPCs can also harm the environment and are particularly toxic in the aquatic environment and to birds and bees.

To find all of the rules that apply to a substance, check the HSNO approval number (HSRXXXXX) for your product on the Environmental Protection Authority's hazardous substances controls database(external link)

What to know when using insecticides containing OPCs

This guide is for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and sets out OPCs’ effects on human health and what you can do to minimise the risk.

What to know when using insecticides containing OPCs