The Uncouth

On the issue of pesticides, topic being Malathion:




In researching Malathion and aerial spraying, also spraying of households, It proved to be quite a controversial
issue (not surprising). This was an assignment that hit home with me. Being from the south and growing up in a small
rural town, this was something we lived with, trucks driving up and down the streets spraying for mosquitoes and crop dusters flying overhead spraying the fields continually. When I was younger we used to go out and watch them doing this
and not think twice about it. I don't remember them ever telling the public on which days they were going to spray
as a warning to stay clear of the spray. Maybe they did and I just don't remember. It was just something you grew up
with, as common as eating squash and fried green tomatoes. We payed no attention to what effects it might be having on
all of us. We were not educated in school about this as a rule, unless they learned about it in Ag class (something that
only the "nerds" studied). Of course as I got older I finally had enough sense to run in the house when they sprayed!

I had discussed this subject with a few people to get some feedback on their their views and ideas about spraying
malathion for mosquitoes. That turned out to be pretty much split down the middle, as to whether or not aerial
spraying is a viable solution to deterring mosquitoes away from the communities. I had to take into account the opinions
of other people, combined with researching the studies done from the EPA, reports from doctors, the health departments and other various documents. My own opinion also was factored into this.

The scenario here, for the sake of a class assignment, was that I am a member of the city council of a fake town
and all the other members votes are split evenly and my vote will be the deciding vote on the proposal of spraying my city with Malathion. It is projected that at least 50 cases of West Nile could infect my citizens. The opponents to this
have projected that 90 people could be affected with pesticide related illness if we do spray. There are 100.000
people in "my city".

I came across some interesting material in my researching the subject. I had to find the risks involved for
humans, animals, the environment and what doses, if any were safe and for what length of time being exposed to the
chemicals were safe. Also if any certain "ethnic group" is more susceptible to the most exposure of malathion.

In the end I had determined that all the facts and figures show a lot of hazards associated with pesticide aerial
spraying. Unskilled laborers mainly "Mexican migrant workers" who most commonly have jobs in fields are likely to
have the most exposure to these chemicals. Also people living in rural areas and climates with a high humidity are
more prone to being inhabited by mosquitoes, therefore more likely to be sprayed by the city.

I found that there have been many studies and documented cases of the effects of having been exposed to malathion
to be such things as lung disease, heart problems, birth defects, ADD and ADHD in children. Gastrointestinal problems, respriatory illness, most of these in humans and animals. Many more cases of other effects related to exposure to
malathion were reported. The one I found the most interesting and convincing as to the risks of using this pesticide
was a transcription of a seminar given by some of the most prominent doctors in the country.

Noteworthy that most of the studies had been done on normal healthy people as a select group, with healthy immune
systems and not the elderlly, sick or low income areas. there was also mention in one of the articles I read that
sometimes aerial spraying had been done in certain areas, not to commbat insects, but for the purpose of experimentation
on people.

Spraying can stay on the ground and get washed into other areas not intended to be sprayed, by rainfall. Also the
spray can end up in our rivers and lakes, in which the wildlife swim and drink from these waters and cause them illness or death. Not to mention that it can end up in our own water systems used for drinking or bathing. The long term impact on the environment, eco system, or food chain if you will, has yet to be fully understood. I personally think it could be very harmful to all living things and our natural resources for years to come.

Obviously, all of this brought me to the final decision to vote against the spraying of "my city". I had proposed
that we instead, implement better education of the citizens of how to avoid mosquitoes, getting qualified people in the
community involved in eduation, programs and resources for the public. Also to devise a plan of more natural and less
invasive, less toxic solutions to steer off the mosquito populatiion from invading our properties and our communities.

I also believe that in areas that do spray, people have a right to consent to spraying, The same as I want to know
the ingredients of my food before I decide to eat it or not, or the rights I have to know what in in my prescriptions and
the side effects before I take them.




I want to thank Ravo for his opinions on this while making a decision on my vote, and all those who gave their input.





(I just love the way when I click save, it changes my format and ends up looking stupid)


Take poll further down the page: