Cotton Newsline: November 4, 2016

EPA recently opened a comment period regarding a “human health risk assessment” for the pesticide malathion. This decision was based predominantly on the results found in a controversial study conducted by scientists at Columbia University. Although EPA has not been permitted access to the raw data, and EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel has identified multiple flaws in the study, EPA chose to move ahead with the proposed addition of new safety factors on all organophosphate pesticides, including malathion. Malathion plays a key role in the National Boll Weevil Eradication Program for cotton grown in the United States. Dr. Don Parker, Manager of Integrated Pest Management for the National Cotton Council, joins us to explain how EPA’s actions could open the door for re-invasion of the boll weevil across the Cotton Belt.