I. Hazard Identification
A. Malathion
1. Malathion affects how the brain and nervous system work
2. If treatment for Malation is administered quickly then Malation has no long term effects
B. Malathion is a type of insecticide that is used primarily on crops to control the insects
1. Malathion breaks down quickly when it is exposed to certain elements such as soil, water, and sunlight.
2. Usually people are not exposed this type of insecticide unless they are in the vicinity of the area that is being sprayed.
II. Dose-Response
A. The Environmental Protection Agency lists a safe dose of the insecticide Malathion to be 0.1 milligram of Malathion to every liter of drinking water
1. An oral reference dose of Malathion is based on the assumption that the threshold exists for certain toxic effects such as cellular necrosis.
2. An uncertain factor of 10 was used to account for the range of sensitivity within the human population.
B. Unless Malathion is inhaled or ingested, the pesticide will not have any long-term adverse effects on humans.
1. There have not been any conclusive reports on the adverse health affects after being exposed to minimal doses of Malathion.
2. Individuals who are not exposed directly to Malathion should not be affected by it.
III. Exposure
A. Even after Malathion is applied it degrades very rapidly.
1. There have been few cases and reports of the negative effects caused by Malathion.
2. The public of the area being treated by Malathion will be notified prior to the application.
B. We need to protect ourselves as well as our community
1. Individuals volunteered to absorb small amounts of Malathion which was applied to their skin.
2. Malathion can move through soil but it breaks down quickly.
IV. Rick Characterization
A. The possibility of the population of Genericville being adversely affected by Malathion is low.
1. Applications would be done at night to minimize the exposure to Malathion.
2. Protective gear...