27.04.2016 - 11:19 [ Civil Eats ]

The EPA Says 3 Common Pesticides Could Harm Nearly All Endangered Species

What do grizzly bears, gray wolves, California condors, and coho salmon have in common? All are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and all are likely to be harmed by three commonly used pesticides, according to a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact, these three pesticides—chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion—are likely to harm 97 percent of the plants and animals listed under the ESA.

Although diazinon and malathion have been used on farms, around homes, and for other pest control since 1956, and chlorpyrifos since 1965, this is the first time the EPA has conducted such an evaluation in the four decades since the ESA was passed in 1973.