MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What may happen if symptoms of organophosphate poisoning appear more than 12 hours after exposure?

1. It is likely an allergic reaction

2. It indicates another type of poisoning

3. It is a sign of mild toxicity

4. It suggests chronic exposure

The correct answer is: It indicates another type of poisoning

If symptoms of organophosphate poisoning appear more than 12 hours after exposure, it suggests a different scenario than immediate poisoning. In the case of organophosphate compounds, initial symptoms often arise quickly due to their mechanism of action on the nervous system. When symptoms are delayed, it may indicate that the exposure was not a direct acute poisoning event. Instead, it can imply that the individual is experiencing effects from an accumulation of the chemical or from a different toxic substance altogether. Chronic exposure to organophosphates can lead to delayed symptoms due to the buildup of toxicity in the body, but this is distinct from acute effects. Delayed symptoms are more commonly associated with other types of poisoning or health issues rather than an immediate toxic response, thereby indicating that another type of poisoning could be involved.