Mental Health Case Study: Genericville
Risk Assessment Decision Page 2
Genericville is currently faced with a decision that is being addressed by countless communities each year. How do we balance the problem with mosquitoes and their illnesses like West Nile Virus, with environmental problems caused by the use of a pesticide like Malathion? A risk assessment is then ordered because it helps estimate the probability that an event will occur and lets us set priorities and manage risks in an appropriate way.
Genericville is a city with economically diverse population of 100,000 that is highly dependent on summer tourism. A wide river runs through the center of town and wetlands that protect the city from flooding in the spring. These wetlands, along with the river provide a clean habitat for several species of birds and fish. They are also just one element of what makes our city such a popular vacation destination spot for many summer …show more content…
All of the test case studies have been inconclusive in their findings of such ill-effects. However, the agency did report that there would be a significantly high number of cases of Malathion related illnesses with only four of those that might become fatal. In addition, because of Malathion is toxic to organisms on water, applications directly to bodies of water is avoided at all costs. The fact that Malathion degrades so rapidly makes its application a low health risk to citizens and wildlife. Of course with any pesticide exposure to extremely high doses can cause death. A person exposed to a low dose may have no symptoms where as high dose may result in illness. In addition, Malathion has not been reported to pose any “unreasonable risks”. So, there is less fatalities of using the Malathion that we can try to prevent, than not using it and having the West Nile
Genericville is currently faced with a decision that is being addressed by countless communities each year. How do we balance the problem with mosquitoes and their illnesses like West Nile Virus, with environmental problems caused by the use of a pesticide like Malathion? A risk assessment is then ordered because it helps estimate the probability that an event will occur and lets us set priorities and manage risks in an appropriate way.
Genericville is a city with economically diverse population of 100,000 that is highly dependent on summer tourism. A wide river runs through the center of town and wetlands that protect the city from flooding in the spring. These wetlands, along with the river provide a clean habitat for several species of birds and fish. They are also just one element of what makes our city such a popular vacation destination spot for many summer …show more content…
All of the test case studies have been inconclusive in their findings of such ill-effects. However, the agency did report that there would be a significantly high number of cases of Malathion related illnesses with only four of those that might become fatal. In addition, because of Malathion is toxic to organisms on water, applications directly to bodies of water is avoided at all costs. The fact that Malathion degrades so rapidly makes its application a low health risk to citizens and wildlife. Of course with any pesticide exposure to extremely high doses can cause death. A person exposed to a low dose may have no symptoms where as high dose may result in illness. In addition, Malathion has not been reported to pose any “unreasonable risks”. So, there is less fatalities of using the Malathion that we can try to prevent, than not using it and having the West Nile