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Risk Assessment Of Malathion

Malathion Risks

Hazard Identification
Research shows that Malathion (Dimethoxy Phosphino Thioyl Thio Butanedioic) increases health risks to both humans and wildlife. According to the Bureau of Tropical Disease and the CDC, the pesticide malathion, is capable of adverse health effects when used, such as:
• Leukemia
• Brain damage
• Kidney damage
• Birth defects
• Intestinal disorders in children
• Human death
• Birth defects, illness and death to wildlife
Dose-response
A person who is exposed to high doses of Malathion is at a higher risk than one that is exposed to low doses. A study in Florida shows the effects of low-doses of malathion on unborn children. Children born to pregnant woman that were exposed to this chemical have a higher rate of learning disabilities.

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Below is a chart showing the increase of learning disabilities in children between 1971 and 1996


Exposure Assessment
The exposure to Malathion can cause long term effects. Even though malathion breaks down in a matter of hours, it breaks down into more poisonous compounds than malathion itself. When exposed to sunlight it causes a chemical reaction, which in turn increases the formation of trimethyl impurities, which is highly-toxic.

Risk Characteristics
The probability of humans having an adverse health effect is high. Research shows the highest at risk are agriculture workers because they are more exposed to the chemical than others.

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Research findings
Effects on fish and other wildlife
Researchers at Rutgers University of New Jersey have concluded that Malathion causes circulatory defects in some types of fish. These defects include:
• Irregular heartbeat
• Blood clots
• Oscillating blood in the heart
• Physical defects in the heart formation itself
Turtles, shrimp, lizards, and frog/tadpoles are also affected by Malathion. This chemical effects turtles more than any other mammal. They are unusually...