Malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, has been a staple in American agriculture since its introduction in the 1950s. It’s used to control pests on crops, protect public health by combating mosquito-borne diseases, and even applied in home gardens. However, despite its widespread use, malathion poses significant threats to both wildlife and humans, raising questions about the adequacy of U.S. government regulations surrounding its application.

Experts and environmental organizations are increasingly sounding the alarm about this toxic chemical’s effects on endangered species, ecosystems, and public health.

The Threat to Endangered Species

Malathion's danger to endangered species is well-documented. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, malathion has been linked to the decline of more than 1,500 species of wildlife and plants across the United States. These species, many of which are already teetering on the brink of extinction, face even greater peril as the insecticide is regularly sprayed in habitats critical to their survival.

Despite clear evidence of malathion’s devastating impact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) concluded in a 2022 biological opinion that malathion does not pose an extinction risk to any protected species, a sharp reversal from its 2017 findings that said otherwise.

In that earlier assessment, FWS career scientists had found that malathion jeopardized the survival of 1,284 endangered species, including insects, birds, and plants that rely on pollinators. The reversal of this finding in 2022 occurred after pressure from industry lobbyists, causing environmental advocates to accuse the government of yielding to the demands of the pesticide industry at the expense of endangered species.

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How Malathion Works—and Why It’s Dangerous

Malathion belongs to a class of chemicals known as organophosphates, originally developed for chemical warfare. These compounds disrupt the nervous systems of insects and pests, but they can also have unintended consequences on non-target species. A single exposure can be catastrophic for sensitive wildlife, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies that are vital to many ecosystems. The neurotoxin can impair these insects’ ability to forage, reproduce, and survive.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged that malathion affects an alarming 97% of the species listed under the Endangered Species Act. These include mammals, fish, and birds like the Kirtland’s warbler and black-capped vireo, as well as critical pollinator species, reports the the American Bird Conservancy.

The EPA continues to allow malathion’s use despite these known risks, claiming that conservation efforts and voluntary reductions in its application are sufficient to mitigate its harmful effects.

Government Regulation Under Scrutiny

The role of the U.S. government in regulating malathion is now under intense scrutiny. While the EPA oversees the pesticide’s registration and use, the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for ensuring that malathion application does not threaten endangered species. Yet, despite the wealth of scientific evidence pointing to malathion's dangers, the federal agencies tasked with protecting wildlife have not taken meaningful action to restrict its use, The Guardian reports.

Environmental groups like the *Center for Biological Diversity* and the *Center for Food Safety* have sued the government multiple times, accusing the agencies of failing to fulfill their legal obligations under the Endangered Species Act.

One of the most damning criticisms comes from a 2021 federal analysis that concluded malathion imperiled 78 endangered plants and animals. This analysis was a stark departure from the 2017 review, which had identified over 1,000 species at risk. The drastic reduction in the number of jeopardized species raises questions about the methods used to reach these conclusions. Environmental advocates argue that the analysis relied on incomplete data, favoring industry over scientific rigor. Meanwhile, the EPA continues to allow millions of pounds of malathion to be sprayed annually, exacerbating the risks to both wildlife and human health.

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Human Health Risks

Beyond its impact on wildlife, malathion poses risks to humans, especially those living in agricultural areas where the insecticide is used frequently. The *World Health Organization* classifies malathion as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” and prolonged exposure has been linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, fatigue, and headaches, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Despite these concerns, the EPA’s 2024 health risk assessment did not identify any significant threats to human health from mosquito control applications. This disconnect between scientific findings and regulatory action has frustrated health experts and environmentalists alike.

The Path Forward

Environmental groups continue to push for stricter regulations on malathion and other harmful pesticides. These advocates argue that without meaningful action from federal agencies, endangered species will continue to face a growing risk of extinction.

“Poisons like malathion do tremendous damage to human health and welfare as well as the pollinators that are so vital to our food security,” Margaret Reeves of the Pesticide Action Network North America told the rCenter for Biological Diversity.

For now, the future of malathion’s use in the U.S. remains uncertain. With lawsuits pending and public pressure mounting, the Biden administration may face increasing calls to limit or ban this neurotoxic pesticide. But until decisive action is taken, the delicate balance between agriculture, wildlife, and human health hangs in the balance.

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