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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Evaluating the Effect of Pesticides on the Larvae of the Solitary Bees
Published on: October 15, 2021
Acute poisoning with carbamate pesticides: the Cretan experience
A M Tsatsakis1, A K Tsakalof, Y Siatitsas
1Toxicology Unit, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
Abstract:
In Crete, in southern Greece, a number of fatal carbamate poisonings were investigated over a period of 2 years, from 1991 to 1993. Five cases are reported, involving the fatal ingestion of methomyl (Lannate), a cholinesterase-inhibiting carbamate insecticide. Analysis of samples of blood plasma and serum showed more than 90% inhibition of cholinesterase. The blood methomyl concentrations had a mean value of 26.7 mg/l, and a range of 5.6-57.0 mg/l. These values are much higher than those previously reporter in similar cases (0.57-1.4 mg/l). Methomyl concentrations in organs and tissues were found to be significantly lower than those in blood and vitreous humour.
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