In addition, during critical windows of development, excess acetylcholine has been shown to disrupt critical patterning and synapse formation of the (rodent) nervous system.31 Thus, via the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, organophosphates have the potential to cause alterations of the nervous system that are unique to early childhood exposure.
Organophosphate pesticides are designed to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which results in an over-stimulation of the nervous system, the death of target insects, and the acute poisoning observed in humans. This mechanism of acute toxicity occurs in both adults and children.