Genericville

To spray or not to spray, that is the question. It seems that the city of Genericville has to vote either for or against the aerial spraying of a pesticide called Malathion. West Nile Virus is a dangerous nervous system disease caused by adult mosquitoes. Because Genericville has a wide river that runs through it, there is an increase in the mosquito population. There are also wetlands along the banks of the river. Once again, the wetlands are a breeding ground for the mosquitos. There is cause for concern that the mosquito population will increase the city's cases of West Nile virus. There could be up to 50 or more cases of West Nile Virus in Genericville this year if there is not a solution to the increased mosquito population.

A wealthy city resident is willing to provide the needed funds to implement a program of aerial spraying and ground covering of the pesticide called Malathion. The proposed program could reduce the mosquito population, which in turn could reduce the new cases of the West Nile Virus.

Proponents feel that there is not a long -term environmental risk because the chemicals break down to a harmless material after application. Therefore, they suggest that implementing an educational and awareness campaign about how to avoid exposure during the application process would be easier than the public avoiding exposure to the overpopulation of mosquitos. The Malathion application and exposure can be controlled, whereas the mosquito population cannot be controlled without the pesticide application. If the mosquito population is not reduced there will likely be more cases of the West Nile Virus.

So what are the risks for Genericville if this situation is not eradicated? Genericville's economy depends on income from its summer tourism. If the tourists cannot be reassured about their safety while on vacation, more than likely they will spend their vacations elsewhere. There is concern that tourism will dwindle if the problem is not taken care of. But do we take care of the problem by implementing the proposed Malathion application program?

I have come to the understanding that the risk associated with the spraying of Malathion is less than the risk associated with not spraying. Therefore, I agree with the implementation of the aerial spraying program. Along with the spraying there also needs to be information forwarded to all residents and tourists about any precautionary measures