Organophosphate: Organophosphate, a chemical in pesticides and insecticides, is suspected to be behind the 17 deaths in Baddal village, J&K.
o These chemicals serve as primary components in herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides and have extensive application in manufacturing plastics and solvents.
o Organophosphates can undergo hydrolysis and release alcohol from the ester bond.
o Organophosphates are also the primary constituents of nerve gas.
o They can be toxic and can harm the nervous systems of humans and animals.