Final answer:
Toxic insecticides and nerve gases are made of organophosphates and carbamates, which are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors affecting nerve signal transmission. While they can be safe for humans at low doses when used as insecticides, at high concentrations they can be deadly, similar to nerve gases such as sarin and VX.
Step-by-step explanation:
Toxic insecticides and nerve gases are primarily composed of organophosphates and carbamates. These compounds include dichlorvos, malathion, and parathion, which are known to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Acetylcholinesterase is crucial for nerve function, as it breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to end nerve impulses at synapses. Insect metabolism differs from that of mammals, allowing these substances to be used at proper doses with little effect on humans and other mammals. However at high doses, they can result in acute toxicity and death, similarly to how certain nerve gases operate. Nerve gases like sarin and VX are among the deadliest toxins known and were historically investigated for military use. These nerve agents are organophosphorous compounds related to certain insecticides. They are generally colorless, odorless liquids that may evaporate to gas and their lethality is based on their ability to disrupt nerve signal transmission by blocking AChE.
The long-term exposure to these chemicals especially among farm workers and animals comes with considerable concern. Some insecticides have been withdrawn from agricultural use due to their high toxicity to humans, and nerve agents have been used in warfare and acts of terrorism, posing significant international security and health risks.\