Risk Assesment Essay

Here in Genericville, there appears to be some conflicts that concern-spraying Malathion, the decision we are facing has concerns about potential environmental and health risks. In the meantime, Genericville is facing an issue with mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus (WNV). Therefore, it is necessary to compare the risks of chemical or virus exposure, in order to make any justifying decisions about spraying the chemical.
Malathion is all right, for public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to the general population when applied according to the label.
Hazard Identification
Some people may receive adverse health affects from exposure to Malathion; there are generally no long-term effects on humans and majority of animals, during low-dose spraying. Studies show that lab animals revealed changes in hormone levels, which occurred in repeating oral doses of the insecticide. The studies used a much higher quantity of Malathion, than the amount humans are more likely to encounter.
In recent research, Department of Health has conducted their own study on the effects of Malathion. They have found that it is minimally toxic to birds and mammals, though in consideration, it is not harmful to these animals. However, to some fish and aquatic life, Malathion is very toxic.   In addition, studies have found, it is toxic to honeybees and butterflies. The hazards that arise with the WNV are encephalitis, which is inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord.
The less severe form of WNV infection is a fever, which does not affect the neurological system. Without the proper care, these symptoms can be deadly.

Dose-Response
According to the EPA, the safe doses are 0.1 milligrams of Malathion per liter of drinking water, 0.1 to 135 PPM for many types of food, and 15 milligrams per meter of work area at an 8-hour workday for a 40-hour workweek. Being, exposed to an amount less than this can cause, skin irritation, irritate asthma...