EPA Seeks Comments on Malathion Risk Assessment

December 27, 2000

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking public comments for 60 days on malathion as part of a follow up to EPA's technical briefing in which agency stated some mitigation would be needed to address risk assessment concerns for the organophosphate. Cotton is largest user (84% of total agricultural pounds annually) of this insecticide, which is key tool in boll weevil eradication program.

National Cotton Council officials say risk assessment for malathion showed no dietary, drinking water and little ecological risk of concern. Some risk concerns were found for residential and worker exposures.

Malathion registrants have decided not to support product uses for all pets, livestock, indoor use (except for some stored commodities and storage facilities, and mushroom houses), greenhouse use, open-forest land and seed treatments.

Also, certain crop uses will not be reregistered: almonds, cranberries, filberts, peanuts, pea vines, safflower, soybeans, sugar beets, sunflower seed, tobacco, treated raisin trays and all pressurized can formulations. Cotton uses have not been affected.

Comments may be sent to: U.S. EPA, OP Pesticide Docket (7502C), 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C., 20460, or by e-mail at opp-docket@epa.gov. The comment period closes Feb. 12.