Risk Assessment of Malathion p.

Lisa Williams

Axia College

SCI275

Malathion is a man-made organophosphate insecticide that is commonly used to control

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mosquitoes and a variety of insects that attack fruits, vegetables, landscaping plants, and shrubs. It can

also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and insects, such as

fleas and ants. Malathion is the active ingredient in mosquito control products. These products contain

over 95% malathion and are often applied undiluted. However, they may be diluted with a petroleum

solvent similar to kerosene before application, in which case petroleum solvent will make up most of

the pesticide solution.

Pesticide products are inherently toxic, no pesticide exposure is risk free. The likelihood of

experiencing adverse health effects from exposure to any pesticide, including malathion, depends

primarily on the amount of pesticide that a person contacts and the amount of time the person is in

contact with that pesticide. In addition, a person's age, sex, genetic makeup, life style and/ or general

health characteristics can affect his or her likelihood of experiencing adverse health effects as a result

of exposure to pesticides

As a member of the Grenericville city council, my vote is to vote against the use of the insecticide

spray Malathion. Malathion is a powerful pesticide. The chemical Malathion and the impact it has on

society's health is almost as great as impact of mosquito-borne diseases, like the West Nile which

Genericville also has reported cases of every summer. According to a study done in 2000 by the

Environmental Protection Agency,(EPA), laboratory rats exposed to the chemicals were found to have

developed tumors (n.d., Feldman).

Cornel University conducted a study and states that Malathion is moderately toxic to birds. This

study also revealed that Malathion is highly toxic to honey bees, some species of fish and to aquatic

invertebrates. The potential hazard to both the people of Genericville and to the wildlife is not a risk I

am willing to take. I do not believe that the benefits of spraying Malathion out weigh the associated

risks.

Of all the case studies I have seen show cases where Malathion has killed wildlife and created health
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problems for those exposed. An article by the Department of Preventive Medicine University of

Southern California, Los Angeles shows a potential health risk of Malathion. The study states, "it was

found that children who had been exposed to Malathion during the second trimester of pregnancy were

showing over two and one-half times more gastrointestinal disorders (affecting the stomach and small

intestines) in comparison to children not exposed to Malathion during pregnancy." (Department of

Preventative Medicine, 1992).

Exposure can cause rapid severe poisoning with headache, sweating, nausea and vomiting, loss of

coordination and death. This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a

deadly chemical (Fwd Malathion Online 1999). There is no way I could , in good conscience agree to

use this pesticide in the general population.

Research shows that Malathion is not toxic in itself, unless it is absorbed into the body of humans or

animals can cause several cellular mutations, especially in the cells of the lymph systems and white

blood cells. Individuals tolerate different levels of Malathion. In other words, what may be non-toxic

to one may be fatal to another. Malathion has the potential to be harmful and exposures to this

chemical can cause various symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the

amount of chemical involved and the nature of the exposure. The chemical can be absorbed through

the inhalation process or ingestion.

After careful consideration, I have decided to vote against this measure and hopefully, my “no” vote

will inspire us all to investigate other safer alternatives to controlling the mosquito problem. I am sure

we can find other alternatives. The citizens of Genericville must be our main concern, and I am not

comfortable using a pesticide that may cause harm to our citizens or animals.
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Work Cited:

Feldman, N,D. (2000). Hazard identification of malathion. 12(15),

Shone, Kesley. (1999). Preventative medicine. 26(31), 121-126.

Dupress, L. (1999, April). Malathion online. Retrieved from www.malathiononline.com

Holness, W. (2005, July 21). Malathion and its risks. Retrieved from www.malathion.com