Voting on Malathion in Genericville
Name
SCI/275
July 15, 2012
Instructor

Genericville has faced the problem of mosquitoes for quite some time now. An unfortunate result of living in a community where pests such as mosquitoes are common is disease. Recently, Genericville suffered the loss of a prominent citizen as a result of West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, which is often fatal (Berg, 2007). In Genericville an average of 50 cases of WNV are diagnosed every year.
However, the proposed number of cases diagnosed after the aerial spraying of Malathion could reduce the average number of diagnosed WNV cases to five. This would reduce the number of fatalities from WNV to a less than 20% risk. Though a fatality seems unlikely to many living in Genericville, one can be assured that that percentage is quite high when the fatality occurs within one’s own family.
Unfortunately, a resident of Genericville has recently lost a family member to WNV. This resident has volunteered to fully finance the procedure. This offer will reduce the financial concerns of many Genericville residents. Though many residents would prefer to see the money spent elsewhere, the donor has specified that the money is to be spent on the aerial spraying of the pesticide only.
Though many are concerned of the health implications Malathion could pose on the environment, there is importance in comparing the risk of health concerns as a result of Malathion verses WNV. When applied during non-peak hours, Malathion could be allowed to settle and pose little to no threat to humans (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2003). Individuals who suffer health conditions because of Malathion do so because of overexposure. Genericville has taken the steps to meet with companies that are expertly trained in the handling of Malathion. These experts know the correct amount to spray to eliminate any possibility of overexposing Genericville residents to Malathion. Ultimately, the risk of WNV and overexposure to Malathion are quite similar.
However, Genericville does have residents who do not have shelter to retreat to during the spraying of Malathion. Even those who do have shelter, there are many who do not understand the importance of avoiding exposure to Malathion. To combat the risk of exposing residents who do not have adequate shelter, Genericville will offer shelter to whoever needs a place to stay for the hours following the spray. For residents who do not understand the risks of intentional exposure to Malathion, Genericville will distribute mail pamphlets to all Genericville residents at least one week prior to the spraying of Malathion to inform them of these risks.
Though these may sound like drastic measures, this is simply to put minds at ease. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (2003) when absorbed Malathion is broken down in the body and later expelled via urine within a few days. High levels of exposure, which typically only occur with inexperienced direct handlers of Malathion (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2003) result in the following symptoms: “Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, watery eyes, blurred vision, salivation, sweating, headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and death.” - Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2003. When treated immediately Malathion has been shown to not leave lasting health implications (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2003).
The economy of Genericville has struggled during this past recession. The sometimes-fatal cases of WNV within Genericville will quickly spread throughout the nation. When this does, Genericville,s tourism industry is guaranteed to suffer greatly. Without the Malathion Genericville faces a future filled with mosquitoes, disease, and economic upset; leading to the loss of jobs that rely on local tourism. With Malathion Genericville’s tourism could grow and flourish. With up to 90% of mosquitoes eliminated from the atmosphere in Genericville, tourists will feel comfortable enjoying the atmosphere in Genericville. Without the elimination of these 90% of mosquitoes, tourists face a risk of contracting WNV as a result of the abundant mosquitoes. My vote is to allow Malathion to be used in Genericville in the hopes that residents will have a healthier and happier life without so many mosquitoes.

References
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, (2003, September). Public health statement for Malathion. Retrieved July 5, 2012, from Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry Web site: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs154.html
Berg, L. R., & Hager, M. C. (2007). Visualizing environmental science. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons