Associate Level Material
Appendix B
This week, you may choose from three different assignment options. Each option requires you to
read the scenario below. The options are listed after the scenario. Select Option 1, Option 2, or
Option 3 to complete for your assignment.
The Pesticide Problem and Proposed Solution
The following outlines a common dilemma faced by countless communities every year. The
scenario presents a proposed pesticide application program awaiting approval from the city
council of Genericville.
The City and the Problem
Genericville is an American city with an economically diverse population of 100,000, and is highly
dependent on summer tourism. A wide river runs through the center of the city. Along the banks
of the river are several wetlands that protect the city from spring flooding. The wetlands also
provide a source of nutrients for several species of birds and fish, which are among many
environmental elements that make Genericville popular with summer vacationers. Unfortunately,
the wetlands also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may spread various diseases.
West Nile Virus (WNV), one such disease, is a dangerous nervous system disease that spreads
primarily by mosquitoes. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(2007), there were 4,269 WNV cases in the U.S. in 2006, including 177 fatalities. Based on
experience, recent testing of infected birds, and an enlarged mosquito breeding area due to
heavy rainfall, there are projections that there could be 50 cases of WNV in Genericville this year
with two fatalities. The rich and poor communities of Genericville equally share this risk.
The Pesticide Solution and its Proponents
A wealthy city resident who suffered a family loss from WNV a couple of years ago has offered to
provide Genericville with all funds necessary to implement an extensive program of aerial
spraying and ground application of the pesticide, Malathion. The proposed program could reduce
the mosquito population by 90%, providing the same reduction in risk of WNV. This would mean
that the projected number of WNV cases would drop from 50 to five, with less than a 20% chance
of a fatality in each case.
Proponents presented data from government studies to indicate that long-term environmental risk
from application was unlikely, because it degrades to harmless materials rapidly after application
(Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2005, Section 1). They argue that exposure
could be controlled by educational programs and precautions. Part of the proposal includes
extensive precautions and an awareness campaign to avoid exposure during applications and to
prevent contact with residues for a week after applications. Proponents contend that avoiding
exposure to the large uncontrolled mosquito population that could cause WNV is not as feasible
as avoiding exposure to applications, which may be controlled.
Proponents further argue that, because Genericville has such a high rate of incidence of WNV,
tourists would not visit without the program’s implementation. Reduced tourism could create
further poverty that could increase health risks to city residents.
The Opposition to Pesticide Application
Opponents propose that monetary resources proposed for pesticide application could be better
spent on educational efforts to avoid exposure to the mosquitoes rather than on pesticide
application. They argue that many people, particularly the poor or uneducated, would not follow
the safety precautions required by the program. Uninformed residents, for example, could be
outside during aerial spraying, or they could handle or eat matter that contains residues from
application.
Opponents estimate that there could be as many as 90 cases of Malathion-related illnesses from
the proposed program with four that may be fatal. Opponents used information from a Florida
study referenced in the same study used by proponents (Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry, 2005, Section 3).
Opponents also argued that the use of pesticides could kill the natural predators of mosquitoes
and ultimately increase the spread of WNV and damage the fragile ecosystem important to
tourism. Such long-term effects are possible and the risks are unknown. Opponents believe that,
because of this unknown risk, the precautionary principle should apply to Malathion application. In
other words, Malathion should not be applied until there is direct evidence that there is no longterm risk to the environment.
The Decision That Is Required
Like many environmental debates, stakeholders with different priorities view the same information
differently. The City Council must make a decision through a majority vote. When faced with a
decision, all council members have to vote. They must learn as much as they can about the
options and make a decision when the time comes, even if they still have questions or do not like
the alternatives. They believe that not voting or stating an unrealistic alternative is not accepting
societal responsibility. What decision will you make?
References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2005). Toxicologic information about
insecticides used for eradicating mosquitoes (West Nile Virus control). Malathion (CAS
Number 121-75-5). Retrieved from http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/consultations/west_nile_virus/
Malathion.html.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007). 2006 West Nile Virus activity
in the United States. West Nile Virus Statistics, Surveillance, and Control. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount06_detailed.htm.
Option 1: Risk Assessment Paper
You are a member of the Genericville City Council. A proposal has been brought forth to use the
insecticide spray. Currently, the council is split on its decision, and your vote will determine
whether Malathion may be used.

Create an outline of the risk of using Malathion according to the four steps of risk
assessment presented in Figure 4.1 of Visualizing Environmental Science.
o
o
o
o

Hazard identification
Dose-response
Exposure
Risk characterization
Decide your vote based on your outline.

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper that presents your evaluation of the risk of Malathion
based on your outline. Explain the reasoning for your vote based on the four steps of risk
assessment. Consider any relevant political, social, and economic aspects involved.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Post your paper as an attachment.
Option 2: Risk Assessment Video Presentation
You are a member of the Genericville City Council. A proposal has been brought before the
council to use the insecticide spray to control the mosquito population. Before a vote may occur,
you have been asked to conduct a risk assessment of Malathion to present to the council.

Create an outline of the risk of using Malathion according to the four steps of risk
assessment presented in Figure 4.1 of Visualizing Environmental Science.
o
o
o
o
Hazard identification
Dose-response
Exposure
Risk characterization

Select a position to present to the city council.

Deliver a 3- to 5-minute multimedia presentation evaluating the risk of Malathion based
on your outline. The presentation must be in a format that may be easily accessed and
viewed by the council members. Acceptable formats or applications are Prezi®,
Glogster®, Microsoft® PowerPoint®, and so forth.

Explain the reasoning for your position based on the four steps of risk assessment.
Consider any relevant political, social, and economic aspects involved. Be creative with
this assignment. You may use props and costumes, and you may wish to enlist friends or
family members.

Post your file as an attachment or submit the link to your instructor.
Option 3: Risk Assessment Editorial
You are a columnist for the Genericville Star newspaper. A proposal has been brought before the
council to use the insecticide spray to control the mosquito population. Before the council meets,
you feel that the city must be aware of the proposal and its implications.

Create an outline of the risk of using Malathion according to the four steps of risk
assessment presented in Figure 4.1 of Visualizing Environmental Science.
o
o
o
o

Hazard identification
Dose-response
Exposure
Risk characterization
Select a position to support in your editorial.

Write an editorial evaluating the risk of Malathion based on your outline. Explain the
reasoning for your position based on the four steps of risk assessment. Consider any
relevant political, social, and economic aspects involved.

Use the template provided and follow the instructions for each section.

Post your editorial as an attachment.
Genericville Star
Articles written by: Your Name
Risk Assessment of Malathion
Insert text for the evaluation of the risk assessment.
Summarize your assessment and consider relevant
political, social, and economic aspects.
The article must be between 350 and 500 words, and
must fit entirely in this box. 10-point font is
recommended.
Delete these instructions when you are done with this
section.
Hazard Identification
Insert text identifying if exposure to Malathion may
cause an increased likelihood of adverse health effects.
The story must be between 100 and 150 words, and
must fit entirely in this box. 10-point font is
recommended.
Delete these instructions when you are done with this
section.
SCI/275
Dose-response assessment
Insert text identifying the relationship, if any, between
the amount of exposure to Malathion and the
seriousness of adverse health effects.
Exposure Assessment
The story must be between 100 and 150 words, and
must fit entirely in this box. 10-point font is
recommended.
Insert text identifying how much, how often, and how
long are humans exposed to Malathion.
Delete these instructions when you are done with this
section.
The story must be between 100 and 150 words, and
must fit entirely in this box. 10-point font is
recommended.
Delete these instructions when you are done with this
section.
Risk Characterization
Insert text identifying the probability of an individual or
the population having adverse health effects to
Malathion.
The story must be between 100 and 150 words, and
must fit entirely in this box. 10-point font is
recommended.
Delete these instructions when you are done with this
section.
SCI/275