Risk Assessment of Malathion

Risk Assessment of Malathion

SCI/275

June 13, 2010

Lisa Johnson

Risk Assessment of Malathion

The city of Genericville has been proposed with a new pesticide program to help control the mosquitoes that could carry the West Nile Virus. Genericville City Council members have each been asked to research and vote on whether or not the use of the controversial pesticide Malathion would be beneficial to the city and its residents. Malathion is an insecticide that is used to control mosquitoes and other insects that attack fruits, landscaping plants and shrubs. Malathion is also found in some indoor pesticides. As the final vote for the council I have carefully researched the risks of using this pesticide and have outlined them here along with my final vote.

This first risk examined was the hazard identifications associated with the use Malathion. This assesses the health risks that could become an issue as a result of exposure to Malathion. The adverse health effects could range severe to mild depending on the exposure. This could become an issue only if the city’s residents are not properly educated on the correct use for this pesticide.

The next risk assessment examined was the dose-response also known as the amount of Malathion a person can be exposed to without adverse health effects. When only mildly exposed the effects are minimal to none. However over exposure to Malathion may cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision. Because Malathion is applied at a low dose it is unlikely that the adverse effects will affect most people.

Then there was an exposure assessment done to determine how long and how often humans would be need to be exposed to Malathion spray before they are affected adversely. With this assessment it was determined that people who live closer or are commonly in the areas that are being sprayed are more likely to affected than those that are not. Residents and tourists would need to be made aware and...