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EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR MALATHION
Release Date: 05/11/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2000
EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FOR MALATHION
EPA published for public comment a preliminary risk assessment for the organophosphate pesticide malathion on May 11. EPA’s preliminary risk assessment indicates that risks from exposure to malathion used in mosquito control or on crops are within acceptable limits. The preliminary assessment has determined that there is insufficient scientific evidence to assess the potential for causing cancer in humans, and the suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity in laboratory studies will be reviewed by EPA’s external Scientific Advisory Panel. When malathion is used according to label directions, analyses shows very low potential for human exposure and therefore cancer risk from malathion is not of concern. Malathion is used on a variety of crops, home gardens, golf courses, mosquito control, and others. Malathion and many other pesticides are being reviewed to determine whether their existing EPA registrations meet the stringent, new safety standards of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. The preliminary risk assessment outlines the Agency’s initial evaluation of malathion, and is subject to change following additional information and further scientific refinement. The public will have 60 days to comment on the preliminary risk assessment for malathion. EPA will review all comments received and then publish a revised risk assessment this Fall. The revised risk assessment will also be made available for public comment. At the same time, EPA will open a 60-day public comment period to invite possible risk mitigation ideas and proposals. Copies of the preliminary risk assessment are available on EPA’s web site at: www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/malathion.htm or by calling the Pesticide Docket at 703-305-5805.
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