Final answer:
The assertion that mixing organophosphates can create compounds with much higher toxicity to humans is true. Organophosphates have toxic effects due to their action on the nervous system and combining them can increase their toxicity significantly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mixing organophosphates can indeed result in compounds with much higher toxicity to humans, so the answer to the question is A. True. Organophosphates, like parathion, are known for their toxic effects on the nervous system. They work by irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, essential for nerve function, leading to an overaccumulation of acetylcholine and continued nerve impulse transmission, which can result in muscle contractions not stopping, causing acute toxicity or even death. When combining different organophosphates, there could be a synergistic effect, increasing their toxicity. This higher toxicity is not only a risk for those exposed due to occupational hazards, such as agricultural workers, but also poses a significant danger to medical personnel treating those who are poisoned. Medical personnel may be exposed to harmful excretions or vapors from the victims.
Organophosphates can indeed form compounds with much higher toxicity to humans when mixed together. Some organophosphates, such as paraoxon and demeton, are highly toxic to humans and have been withdrawn from agricultural use due to their potential harm. Mixing these compounds can lead to increased toxicity and pose health risks to both humans and animals.