Instructions (100-150 words). Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing astatement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale,challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationshipbetween two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. with intext citations and references
What are the health effects that the pesticide exposure caused in humans?
Organophosphate(OP) Pesticides (Anticholinesterases) are similar to nerve gas (Sarin).There are many forms of OP Pesticides, they are; diazinon, malathison,methyl parathion, and parathion. In 1995 a cult released nerve gas in asubway system in Tokyo. 12 deaths occurred and 5500 others were injuredas a result of the exposure. Organophosphate Pesticides disturb nerveimpulses by interrupting the transfer of information between nervecells. Organophosphate Pesticide exposure can cause; convulsions,paralysis of the respiratory system, abdominal pain, and death. (Friis,2012).
What are the steps that could have been taken to prevent the adverse health outcomes from occurring?
Unfortunately,there were no steps to prevent the outcomes in this particular case.Sarin is odorless, tasteless, and clear. (CDC, 2016).
What are the changes required in the existing law that could discourage the reoccurrence of such exposures?
Currentlaws need to require registration of the individuals buying largeamounts of the materials used in biological weapons. For example;Phosphorus is a chemical found in OP pesticides. The government couldmonitor and track chemical production, use, and purchases.
Apart from law enforcement, what are the other ways to prevent future occurrences of such episodes?
Theonly other way to prevent another episode like this is to limit theamount of chemicals that be purchased, stored, or produced. Thegovernment would have to monitor destitution, production, andtransportation of chemicals to ensure they know where the chemicals are,who has them, and the amount of chemicals they have. This informationwould allow officials to pinpoint potential exposures, estimate theamount of people the exposure would affect, and enable treatment tothose who would likely be affected.
Explain the association between exposure to pesticides and health effects.
Pesticideshave been linked to various cancers, autism, and other diseases. Pesticides are associated with many health issues as they are found inour water, food, and the air. (Toxics Action Center, 2015). The onlyway to prevent harm from pesticide exposure is to eliminate their use.Pesticides are specifically designed to kill living organisms and haveharmful effects. The fact that pesticides cause damage to livingorganisms means we need to control when and how they are used.
Reference
Centerfor Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2016). In EmergencyPreparedness and Response: facts about Sarin. Retrieved July 14, 2016from http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/sarin/basics/facts.asp
Friis,Robert H. (2012). Essentials of Environmental Health, 2nd Edition. Page 157. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved July 14, 2016 from https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/9781449632380/
Toxics Action Center.(2015). In the problem with pesticides. Retrieved July 14, 2016 from http://www.toxicsaction.org/problems-and-solutions/pesticides
