Risk Assesment For Malathion
...spray Malathion is not a significantly harmful chemical and there should be no reason to stop the plan of using it in the Genericville community. I have done the proper research and the numbers do not lie. In 1999 in the Mediterranean the crude rate of Malathion related illnesses was only 9 cases per 10,000 residents in the areas the insecticide was used. There were 230 reports in which only 123 were probable or possible. None of these cases were fatal or significantly life threatening. It is obvious the mosquito problem needs to be dealt with immediately. Since Genericville is a tourism area, we want our guests to feel comfortable and at home as well as the residents. Taking the necessary precautions will help in doing that.
Hazard Identification
Malathion is a substance that degrades at a rapid pace into the environment. There is residue that lingers but with caution that can be avoided. The risk in humans or mammals is extremely low. The only real risk is to aquatic organisms, so there will be no direct application to bodies of water. Yes, the problem is within the water since it is a breeding ground for the mosquitoes, but the insecticide can be sprayed around it. Harming our aquatic life in the water is not an option. There are also no defects or long term illnesses associated with Malathion. Of course like any insecticide, it should not be ingested because then there may be health risks or complications. The estimated half life of Malathion in the air is 5 hours. Perhaps to avoid exposure to people that may be outside, Malathion should only be sprayed at night. A curfew can be issued on scheduled Malathion sprays and that would avoid any contact between the insecticide and the members of the community.
Dose-response
A person exposed to the actual fume of Malathion itself should pose no long-term harm. Minor nasal and eye irritation may occur...
View Full Essay
