Carbamate insecticides

Carbamate insecticides are chemical compounds used to control insect pests in agricultural, residential, and public health settings. These insecticides belong to the carbamate chemical class, characterized by the presence of a carbamate functional group (CO-NH2) in their molecular structure. Carbamate insecticides work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which plays a critical role in the nervous system of insects and other organisms. By blocking AChE activity, carbamate insecticides disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and eventual death of the targeted pests. Carbamate insecticides are effective against a wide range of insect pests and are valued for their relatively low toxicity to mammals and rapid degradation in the environment, which reduces their persistence compared to organophosphate insecticides.