preview

Malathion Case Study

Decent Essays

Before applying or using malathion in the community, first the EPA must devise a plan to assess the purpose, scope, and technical approaches that will be used. They have tested malathion and have come up with data in order to study whether malathion is a risk factor to the general population both in children and in adults. They have conducted tests in both animals and humans to study the toxicity either through oral, dermal, or air inhalation. Also, they have tested it for endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, reproductive effects, and its fate in the body from the moment of absorption until excretion. Among these tests were also tests directed towards soil, water, air, and plants. The tests are so extensive that they also reach birds, invertebrates, fish and aquatic animals. The laboratory testing includes studies to determine both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health effects. Laboratory animals are purposely given large doses of the chemical …show more content…

Symptoms include: excessive perspiration, constriction of the pupils, tear production, salivation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, muscle cramping, ataxia, and paralysis and may cause blood pressure changes with either decreased or increased heart rate. Effects on the central nervous system can also cause symptoms such as: headaches, confusion, decreased respiration, convulsions, and coma. These symptoms have been studied but symptoms have occurred only after extremely high or lethal doses of malathion were administered. In studies done with lower doses of malathion, no effect level was observed. The effect of malathion on human health and the environment depend on how much is present at the time of exposure as well as other environmental factors. When administered properly at low levels, no effect was

Get Access