Abstract: 6610 A. Introduction

Carbamates are used as insecticides, nematicides, and aracides to control pests on agricultural crops and to control lawn and garden insects. Their toxicity comes from their ability to act as cholinesterase inhibitors. Residues of several carbamates have been found in groundwater in a number of states.^1,2 Two of the target compounds in this method—carbofuran and oxamyl—are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.³