“In our chronic testing, and in animals found in society that have died, we report an observation called organophosphate-induced and delayed neurotoxicity, better known as OPIDN. Historically, this syndrome has been recognized for almost 100 years.”
“But in common terms, Frank, tell me what that means,” Vince responded.
Frank replied, “In toxicology this means organ failure. As seen on the pathology of the midbrain, the neurons swell from degeneration and appear like Swiss-cheese. In fact, any substance that interferes with the autonomic nervous system at the nerve junction site, such as the breakdown of acetylcholine or release of acetylcholine, will cause this effect. The autonomic nervous system uses acetylcholine to control breathing, heart rate and the movement of the digestive system. It is necessary for the organized descending contraction of smooth muscle within the intestine wall to squeeze the contents through it. This action is called peristalsis. With no movement of the intestinal contents, there is no absorption of nutrients and the animal will essentially starve to death.”
Frank replied in a low tone of voice, “Up to 10 percent according to our chronic exposure data. In England alone, the death rate would be approximately 200,000 animals.”
Vince raised his voice again and replied, “WOW, and you think this is a good idea? Frank, how many HUMANS are going to die because of this Phosmet?”
There was dead silence in the room. Frank was under so much pressure and stress that he was now visibly perspiring. Sweat from his ears was accumulating and dripped from his ear lobes onto his shoulders every five seconds…drip, drip, drip. When the sweat droplets hit his coat, they splattered like rain drops landing in a pool of water. Frank did not answer the last question because he knew Vince already had the answer.
Vince already knew that it was 10% in England. The country had the highest exposure rate due to their method of feeding animal parts back to animals, and that they anticipated the other countries to be at least a 5% death rate from the OP insecticide. In the United States alone, with approximately 10 million animals, it would be around a half million cows that would die each year. These statistics always increase when people find out the real cause of death. Then, fear generates more deaths in greater numbers.
Vince, again in a loud voice, demanded, “FRANK, DO YOU KNOW THERE ARE ENOUGH OP INSECTICIDES OUT IN THE ENVIRONMENT TO ALLOW DAIRY COWS TO DEVELOP SWISS-CHEESE BRAINS AT A 1% INDICENCE FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? My God, Frank, when is this going to end?”
Pharmaceuticals, and his plan was working perfectly. Frank reminded Vince that there were many organic chemicals in use that were causing problems, and not only the exposed animals but also the exposed humans, were ending up with Swiss-cheese brains.12 With continued use of OPs, sooner or later a disaster would occur, and animals and humans would die in large numbers.
Vince was attempting to figure out how to get around the pending disasters that inevitably would occur. This was going to affect all the pharmaceutical companies around the world that were not only making OP pesticides, but other pesticides as well, because of their highly poisoning effect. If this outbreak were to occur, consumers around the world would reject insecticides and demand the end to pesticides altogether. Besides, the insurance companies would have to pay for damages.
“First we have to control the diagnosis of the illness in the cattle,” Vince thought, “and that will not be an easy task, as the veterinary pathologist will know very quickly.”
Vince kept working on that idea for at least another five minutes, while tapping his finger on the table, and then declared, “Oh, my God, we need a miracle here! What we need here is a disguise disease – something that will remove the attention from the chemicals causing the Swiss-cheese effect. The whole environment could come crashing down on us. WOW, this is serious!”
Vince was in thinking mode, working every fact and every possible scenario. He returned to questioning to make sure all the facts were placed into his mind soundly.
“Another thing, Frank, what percentage of the animals is going to be affected by OP poisoning and eventually develop the poisoning or brain lesions over a ten-year period of time?”
Frank answered in a low tone of voice, “About 10%.”
Vince was reviewing that data in his mind to make sure he had the facts right and was not even looking at Frank.
“My God, Frank, 200,000 cows is a lot of animals. That is really going to raise a lot of eyebrows! However, there will be 200,000 cowhides available for the leather industry.”
Frank then responded by saying, again in a low tone of voice, “We also tried to be very conservative in the income projections.”
Vince said, “That’s good, Frank. See, you did some good.”
Vince then inquired, “How many humans are we talking about here?”
Frank replied, “Well, since it is not directly applied to them, in the United Kingdom, I would expect less than 200 people.”
Vince stated, “OK, I will get back to you. I have to do a little checking around with my friends here to see what we can do for you. I will let you know what your rate is going to be for your Phosmet. If I cannot find a way out of this mess, we will not insure you. Is that understood?”
Frank’s answer was, “Vince, you are the Master, so you will know how to take care of the problem. Just let me know what you determine.”