The Dangers of Malathion

What is Malathion?

Malathion is an insecticide that is used to reduce the mosquito population.  It is sprayed on the ground by plane or vehicle.  Malathion has been used for more than 50 years to cure the mosquito problem.  Today it is used to prevent the dangerous West Nile Virus that is caused by mosquitos.   People who live in locations with an enviroment that is moist, humid, and suffers from floods are more at risk of contracting the West Nile Virus. 

What are some effects from Malathion exposure?

The West Nile Virus, caused from mosquitos is dangerous to humans, and even fatal, but Malathion also has dangerous health risks. Malathion has been known to cause moderate to severe health problems. Some mild symptoms from being exposed to Malathion can be nausea, dizziness, disorientation, irratibility, depression and increases the risk of allergies. More severe symptoms from the exposure of Malathion are learning disabilities, birth defects, ADD, mental retardation, low sperm count, memory damage, leukemia, and even kidney failure. In 1976, 7,500 men sprayed Malathion in Pakistan, 2,800 suffered from illness from Malathion exposure and 5 men died from the exposure.

Who is at risk?

Cities that have a lot of tourism, population and people who live near bodies of water  The enviroment is the home of many important animals that are a part of the eco system. T People can be exposed from injesting the water or eating food that has been exposed to Malathion. People who work with and spray Malathion, residents, visitors, children, and animals are at risk of dangerous exposure. People who reside near the water source are at more risk.

Though scientists have determined an amount of Malathion to be sprayed that is less dangerous.  Less being the key word.   Around 2.5 fluid ounces per acre has been noted to be safe, however, that is not a proven fact. In fact, the EPA has found that a more toxic chemical, malaoxon, can be caused from the Malathion infecting the untreated water.

Not only does Malathion pose a risk of side effects from exposure to humans but to animals and the enviroment too.  Malathion has been known to damage animals, fish, turtle, frogs, lizards, and the many other wildlife. If Malathion were to damage the wild life, in the future the already weak eco-system will fall. 

My opinion there are other alternative ways to be explored. For an example, educating the citizens on how to protect yourself from mosquitos.