Malathion vs. West Nile Fever

Paper Summary:

Using a four step protocol to study an environmental hazard control situation, this paper analyzes the use of Malathion to prevent exposure to the West Nile virus by mosquitoes, which breed in standing water. The paper assesses the dangers of both exposure to Malathion and to this virus, especially in the case of Mexican-American field workers. Thus, the paper concludes that erring on the side of caution and spraying with Malathion seems to be the better option.

Table of Contents:
Step 1. Hazard Identification
Step 2. Dose-Response Assessment
Step 3. Exposure Assessment
Step 4. Risk Characterization

From the Paper:

"Mild exposure to both West Nile Virus and the insecticide designed to prevent it by killing the carrier mosquitoes can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, and general weakness. Eighty percent of those exposed to West Nile show no symptoms at all, but 1 in 150 can sustain permanent neurological damage. High doses of Malathion include hypertension, pallor, abdominal pain, sweating, blurred vision, poor concentration, confusion, and memory loss."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2005). Toxicologic information about insecticides used for eradicating mosquitoes. Malathion (CAS Number 121-75-5).Retrieved July 18, 2008, from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/consultations/west_nile_virus/ Malathion.html.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007). 2006 West Nile Virus activityin the United States. West Nile Virus Statistics, Surveillance, and Control. Retrieved July 18, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

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