Malathion won’t harm endangered species

Abstract

The organophosphate insecticide malathion will not jeopardize threatened and endangered species when certain mitigation measures are put in place, the US Fish and Wildlife Service concludes in a biological opinion released March 8 . The wildlife agency determined last year that malathion is likely to harm 78 species and 23 critical habitats, but it now claims that label changes the US Environmental Protection Agency plans to adopt will protect those species and habitats . The EPA found potential effects on nearly all endangered species and their habitats in its malathion evaluation, released in January 2017. The agency has been working with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Agriculture, and pesticide manufacturers ever since to identify mitigation measures. The measures agreed to by the federal agencies and pesticide industry include no-spray zones, reduced application rates, fewer applications , and geographical use limitations. Environmental groups, which have long sought restrictions on