Chlorpyrifos

This image, sized for a science journal, shows one effect of chlorpyrifos on the human body, particularly in the nervous system. In the ‘normal’ scenario, the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (or cholinesterase) breaks down the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. In the clinical scenario, the pesticide inhibits the enzyme from working properly, thus leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine. The build-up can cause over-stimulation of nerves, muscles, and glands.