^{MALATHION USE IN CALIFORNIA by TERESITA COSTILLAS-ESCARIO science dept. chairperson Grace Brethren High School Simi Valley, California meet Terri}  

   ^{WOODROW WILSON TORCH-GIS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEINSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC SUMMER 1998}

How is malathion used in California?
In 1994, UC Davis reported that malathion was one of the 892 pesticides used in the 192 sites in California. (http://www.ucdavis.edu.ipm/PUSE/1994)
 

Malathion is a highly toxic chemical. (http://www.epa.gov/opptintv)
The toxicity and characteristics of this chemical is also described in the following websites:
http://www.epa.gov/rego1/index.htm
http://www.tampa.tribune.com/news/fly1101o.htm
http://www.nccnsw.org.au/member/tec/prog.../tcye/detail/Household/garcehytp_08.html

The Journal of American Medical Associatio reported that malathion can cause human kidney failure, brain damage and leukemia.(Vol.25. No.18. Nov.11,1983)
 

This project is an attempt to summarize qualitatively the use of malathion in California
namely,  landscape maintenance (malland), structural pest control (malstru), vegetables and fruits or agriculture (malveg) using the ArcView software.  The y's on the maps show the counties using malathion.

 The map below shows the different counties using malathion in agriculture. 

 
 The map below shows the different counties using malathion in landscape maintenance or horticulture.

 

The map below shows the counties in California using malathion for structural pest control. 
The map below identifies the Agricultural counties of California that grow fruits and vegetables that are vulnerable to insect pests.

 
Suggested classroom activities:

1.  Thought questions:

a. Some counties like Marin and Toulumne do not use malathion for agriculture and structural pest control.  What could be the possible reasons?

b. List possible reasons why some counties like Lassen and Siskiyou would use malathion only for agriculture.

c. What counties do not use malathion for structural pest control but use it for agriculture and horticulture?  Give reasons why.

d. What could be the reasons why many counties are using malathion in agriculture?

e. From the point of view on the significant use of malathion in many counties in California, which county would you prefer to live?  Why?

List the top three fruits and vegetables that are being applied with malathion. 
What could be the possible reasons for their major dosages?
Ask the help of USDA or any agriculturist.