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Malathion ??? |
For years, malthion was used as a dip solution and as a spray for mosquito control. The handlers had to guide (usually drag and push) the dog into a dip tank. The tanks was deep enough for the dog to swim in. The only protection was an ointment applied to the dog's eyes. Usually another handler assisted by hooking a second leash onto the dog's choke chain and the dog was dragged into the dip tank. The second leash ensured that the dog did not avoid the smelly dip solution. Whoever handled the second leash was also guaranteed to be drenched by the numerous showers.
As soon as the dogs was out of the tank, they always did what all wet dogs do. A shaking dog can sling liquid a surprising distance. Handlers always ended up getting as wet as their dogs. Supervisors often worked the second leash getting multiple baths. Handlers always had some delay before showing and changing clothes.
Malathion exposure should concern all handlers who
were in tropical climates if they dipped dogs on a regular basis.
Dogs at Clark AB, Republic of the Philippines, were dipped every two
weeks. With our youthful enthusiastic outlook on life, we never knew of
the risk. At Clark AB, being thrown in the dip tank on your last working day
was a part of the K-9 ritual. Handlers were then handcuffed to the kennels
fence and hosed downed as a last parting shot from fellow handlers!
Roger Marion's message prompted a survey e-mail that was sent to over 200 former Clark handlers on 20 August 2002. In less than 24 hours we had over 7 replies. They all suffer from weakness & loss of feeling in their legs or arms. Another handler is on chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"Malathion is a cholinesterase blocking agent. Cholinesterase is one of the most important enzymes needed for the proper functioning of the nervous systems of humans, other vertebrates and insects. All muscles are directed to move via the nerve impulses. If there is impairment of this system, the muscle can continue to move uncontrollably. Repeated and unchecked firing of electrical signals can cause uncontrolled, rapid twitching of muscles, paralyzed breathing, cardiac irregularities, convulsions and even death. Pain due to excessive contraction is among the first symptoms. Malathion is rapidly and effectively absorbed by practically all routes including the skin, mouth, eyes, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Malathion exposure impairs the human nervous system, can cause permanent neurological damage and causes temporary impotence in males when poisoned."
"Agents Orange and Blue that were used in Vietnam to defoliate jungle cover are also organophosphorus compounds. The Vietnam vets and the Vietnamese people know about them firsthand. Government experts who okayed their use and chemical companies that manufactured them have finally owned up to their toxic effects on people and the environment. Nonetheless, present-day experts in academia and government continue to bamboozle the public with stories of "safe" science and cheap food through the use of poisons."
The medical research below was located from the University of Florida and University of South Florida Medical Libraries. As can be seen clearly from the research (below links), contrary to what the public is being told by the Agriculture Industry and some governmental agencies, scientists are stating that Malathion (even at low levels) is in fact, a harmful chemical.
NEW INFORMATION
VA Decision on Malathion Exposure: The evidence of record favors a finding that the Veteran's Parkinson's disease is causally related to the Veteran's in-service chemical exposures.
http://www.va.gov/vetapp13/Files2/1310998.txt
VA Rules on Malathion Exposure Cases: Diseases Associated With Exposure to Certain Herbicide Agents
(Hairy Cell Leukemia and Other Chronic B-Cell Leukemias, Parkinson's Disease and Ischemic Heart Disease)
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-08-31/html/2010-21556.htm
VA Decision on Malathion Exposure: Entitlement to service connection for psoriatic arthritis of multiple joints, as due to in-service herbicide exposure and malathion exposure.
https://www.va.gov/vetapp10/files6/1047932.txt
MALATHION RESEARCH UPDATE by Dr. Wayne Sinclair, M.D. Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Vero Beach, FL and Richard W. Pressinger, M.Ed., Tampa, FL
Princeton University : "In humans, symptoms of acute (short-time) exposure to malathion may include the following: headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, muscle twitching, respiratory depression, and slow heartbeat. If exposure to Malathion occurs in very high doses it may result in unconsciousness, convulsions or even death. Long-term exposure may result in damage to the nerves leading to poor coordination in arms and legs. Malathion affects the central nervous system, immune system, adrenal glands, liver, and blood"
PBS Story on Chemical Dangers. http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/
Veterans and
Agent Orange: Health Effects of
Herbicides Used in Vietnam (1994)
Institute of Medicine
"It was was reported that 44 percent of the land area of Southeast Asia (primarily South Vietnam) was sprayed with Malathion (Welting, 19841. Herbicide Formulations Each sortie could cover about 15,000 acres. They were commonly spotted over allied camps, spraying malathion and DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). The insecticide delivery planes were not camouflaged like the other Ranch Hand Aircraft."
Lindane is another chemical that was reported to be used on military working dogs as a dip solution. Lindane is an organo-chlorinated pesticide in the same chemical family as DDT. It has been listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Chemical, meaning that it lingers for a long period in the environment, moves up the food chain, and is toxic to humans and wildlife.
http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/Lindane.htm
Chemical Exposure Bulletin Board
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