Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Hazard identification is the first step in risk assessment.

Malathion is commonly used to control sucking, and chewing insects in agriculture, mosquito populations, household insects, and ectoparasites. It is a wide spectrum, non-systemic organophosphate insecticide (Cornell, 2012). It can also be found over the counter as a medication for eliminating lice and their eggs. Animal toxicity depends on the route of exposure as well as the product purity.

Risks in using Malathion

Possibility of Risk (Yes/No/Maybe) Yes Magnitude of Impact (High/Low/Medium) Medium

Level 0

Level 1 Overall expenditure

Description Overall cost If Malathion is declared a carcinogen at any point the golf course could face lawsuits The proven high toxicity of malaoxon, a compound formed when Malathion is ingested and the undetermined carcinogenic status of the pesticide. Low toxicity to mammals, but high toxicity to insects and aquatic species Malathion is a rapidly degrading pesticide in the environment

Economic

Potential Lawsuits

Maybe

High

Human Health

Maybe

High

Health

Animal Health

Yes

Medium to High

Ecological

Biodegradable

No

Low

Not using Malathion and the associated risk of WNV cases

Level 0

Level 1

Description Legal liability in the case of West Nile Virus or other mosquito borne diseases Outbreak any mosquito borne diseases

Possibility of Risk (Yes/No/Maybe)

Magnitude of Impact (High/Low/Medium)

Economic Health

Potential lawsuits Human health

Maybe Yes

High High

Ecological

Disturbance in the ecosystem

Overbreeding of mosquitos and destruction of other ecosystem factors

Maybe

Medium

Dose-Response Assessment Dose responses differ from species to species and dose concentration. The route of Malathion exposure typically occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and absorption. When a human is exposed to Malathion the results can cause nausea tightness in the chest, and headaches. Although Malathion is classified as a slightly toxic there have been lethal doses recorded in humans. The lowest lethal dose of Malathion is also different depending on the sex of the exposed. In humans, the lowest lethal dose of Malathion is recorded as three times higher for men than women (Cornell, 2012). Another assessment to consider is allergic reactions to Malathion which can cause severe dizziness and trouble breathing. Lab tests indicate that low doses and prolonged exposure to Malathion in rats has not typically resulted in adverse reproductive and development effects. On the other hand, when fed to rats through a stomach tube, high doses can cause teratogenic effects. Malathion has also been found to pass through the placenta of pregnant goats causing increased newborn mortality rates and birth defects. Chronic toxicity has been found to have mutagenic risks for humans. Results from lab test revealed that the white blood cells and lymph cells from cultures mutate when exposed to high levels of Malathion. Lab rats fed Malathion had negative effects observed in the adrenal glands and the liver. According to studies such as these there is not enough sufficient evidence suggesting that Malathion causes cancer in mammals. On the other hand there is research from the University of Florida that suggests the opposite view. From the research at the University of Florida Malathion has been found to cause kidney damage and is capable of knocking-off genes

from chromosomes (Sinclair, 2011). These are results taken after a spraying in Pakastan that left 2,800 people poisoned and more than 5 people dead. In regards to aquatic invertebrates, honey bees, and amphibians Malathion is highly toxic. Aquatic invertebrates and fish experience a significant range of toxicity from one ppm to one ppb with Malathion. University of Florida has also found a link to organ and genetic damage in turtles, lizards, and tadpoles (Sinclair, 2011). In shrimp it has been found that exposure to Malathion has caused an inhibition of chemo-receptors. Chemo-receptors are vital to shrimp being able to find food and this pesticide has been recorded to reduce reception by 50%. Exposure Assessment Human exposure typically occurs when Malathion is used to control mosquito or other household insect populations. Malathion bombs and large areas of exposure because of spraying have caused most severe human contact. The environment is affected when Malathion is washed into rivers, waterways, bays, and lakes. The balance within an environment is thrown off when this pesticide creates breaks in the food chain. From the sensitivity of an aquatic species that causes death to genetic changes that end up lethal; once toxic chemical pollution begins in the water it is much harder to reverse the effects. Risk Characterization With all of the facts laid out it is apparent that specific precautions are necessary to make the use of Malathion viable. Malathion has the potential to be harmful to many species even in small doses but humans are not as susceptible. Using Malathion as mosquito control on a golf course could be beneficial but precautions to keep the pesticide from entering any streams, ponds, or lakes will be necessary. Significant risks come with the use of the pesticide Malathion

on the golf course because there are already ecosystems in place that can be destroyed by direct exposure during spraying or the aftermath of run-off.

References Cornell (September, 1993) Malathion. Retrieved January 5th, 2012 from http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/haloxyfop-methylparathion/malathion-ext.html Sinclair, W. M.D. (2011) Malathion Health Research. Retrieved January 4th, 2012 from http://www.chem-tox.com/malathion/research/