Triorthocresylphosphate (TOCP, tricresylphosphate) is an organophosphate pesticide that has caused several outbreaks of a chronic degenerative disease affecting nerves and muscles.
Clinical features:
(1) acute gastrointestinal symptoms soon after ingestion
(2) delayed onset of a degeneration involving upper motor neurons with spasticity and abnormal reflexes
(3) wasting of large muscle groups, resulting in an irreversible paralysis, most often affecting the lower extremities
Outbreaks:
(1) southern United States during Prohibition, when TOCP was added to bootleg liquor (Jamaican Ginger Extract, called "Jake"). Affected people were said to have the "Jake walk" or "Jake legs".
(2) Morocco in 1959
(3) in Saval (in Italy) in October, 1942, due to leak from a garbage dump
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