EPA is proposing limits on the pesticide malathion to protect endangered species but didn’t identify any new dangers for humans.
In a proposed interim decision released Wednesday, the agency said its most recent reviews showed potential ecological threats even when malathion is used according to its label. The proposal is open to public comment for 60 days.
As a result of the latest review, EPA said it’s proposing measures to cut the risk of the chemical drifting away from crops it’s supposed to protect, as well as a longer delay before treated rice fields can be drained of the water farmers use to flood them.
EPA rejected calls from environmental groups to greatly scale back or ban malathion, an organophosphate introduced in 1956. The Center for Biological Diversity has said the Biden administration underestimates the risks to wildlife by relying on methods inherited from the Trump administration.
