Risk Assessment on Malathion
Risk assessment is the processes that entail an objective evaluation of an issue through a clear consideration of assumptions and uncertainties involved. Risk assessment is important aspect in decision making and in managing risks. The decision on whether to apply Malathion or not, is an issues that presents both an environmental as well as a public health risks. In order to conduct an appropriate risk assessment on whether to apply Malathion, the harmful effects of taking this measures must be analyzed and compare to the harmful effects of not taking the action. Risk assessment process follow a system procedure with clearly laid down steps.
1. Hazard Identification
Melathion is a chemical compound that is made up of organophosphates. Melathion is toxic through skin, ingestion and inhalation exposure (National Pesticide Information, 2009). Organophosphates compounds are hazardous when ingested as it inhibits the activity of enzyme cholinesterase responsible for nerve function. The risk for dietary exposure is however minimal, as it the chemical will mainly be sprayed over the swamp which is agriculturally less productive potential. Exposure to these chemical through inhalation has been associated with various health complications such as; respiratory conditions and cancer. Cases of Leukemia were observed in seven children over a period of 8 years after the area was exposed to Melathion pesticide. Exposure to Melathion has also been linked to the action of suppressing the immune systems in animals. Other health complications that have been associated with Melathion include; kidney failure, human birth defects and broken DNA and gene molecules
Apart from health hazards, Melathion is also associated with various environmental and social hazards (National Pesticide Information, 2009). One of them is poisoning of the swamp thereby causing death or damage to plant and animals living in these habitat. Studies have indicated that oral ingestion of Melathion in animals causes various complications in animals which may results to death. Animals such as fish and birds are at high risk of infection which may affect Genericville tourism industry.
2. Dose Response Analysis
Melathion has been placed in the category of slightly toxic substances (Cornell University, 2000). The lowest dose at which Melathion can cause adverse effects to humans is influenced by gender and other factors (National Pesticide Information, 2009). Animal living on high protein diet have reported to be more susceptible to Melathion. The difference in response among gender is mainly due difference in metabolic, storage and excretion processes. The lowest dose at which Melathion can cause lethal effects has been recorded to be three time higher in male than in females.
Test animals have shown sign of intestinal problems when dietary exposed to Melathion. It was observed that Melathion brought brain damage to older animals at lower doses. This may have the implication the older population in Genericville City might be more susceptible to this chemical. It was noted that as an animal increases in mass the ability to excrete the chemical diminishes. Rats were observed to excrete 84% of Melathion in 24 hours while a cow was reported to have excreted on 67% in 4 days (Cornell University, 2000)
3. Exposure Quantification
Exposure quantification may be assessed in terms of two qualities; concentration time and concentration quantity. It has been reported that while in the atmosphere Melathion breaks down quickly and may take a span of 1.5 days to disintegrate (Cornell University, 2000). This implies that the chemical may be less hazardous as the period of exposure is little. It has also been noted that Melathion compound last in water for a period of between 11/2 days and 6 days depending on the Ph of the water. This period is enough to cause massive destruction to aquatic life living in Genericville swamp.
The quantity of exposure also matters. A single consumption of Melathion has also been linked to lung damage. A study has indicated that at levels of 20 milligrams per KG of body weight may cause a reduction in lung cells. Melathion becomes more toxic when stored for a longer period, exposed to sunlight or higher temperatures.
4. Risk Characterization
Many hazards have been linked to Melathion. These hazards present various social, environmental and economic effects (National Pesticide Information). However, dose- response analysis indicates that the chemical effects are acute when exposed in lower amount and less frequency. Exposure quantification analysis also gives the indication that, Melathion last for a shorter period in the atmosphere. However, the mosquito problem is recurrent issues and is unlikely to end with a single spraying of the chemical. This means regular exposure of the chemical to the people putting them to risk of contracting the conditions mentioned above. In regard to these facts, I would not support the proposed use of Melathion to control the mosquito problem in Genericville City.
References
Cornell University (2000). Melathion Medical Research. April 15, 2011. Available at http://www.chem-tox.com/malathion/research/
Malathion (CAS Number 121-75-5). Retrieved from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/consultations/west_nile_virus/
National Pesticide Information (2009). Melathion Technical Fact Sheet. April 15, 2011. Available at http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/malatech.pdf
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