Does using malathion have an effect on the environment?
• Health Canada has determined that malathion is of low toxicity to birds and mammals. It is not expected to have detrimental effects on these forms of wildlife. Malathion is, however, toxic to aquatic invertebrates, young stages of amphibians and many fish species. Due to its short half-life, the small amounts being applied and the Ultra Low Volume (ULV) technology used to apply it, it is unlikely that significant amounts of malathion will enter aquatic environments. Also, because malathion breaks down so quickly, it is not expected to accumulate in drinking water or bioconcentrate in any ecosystem. Malathion is also toxic to most invertebrates including beneficial insects such as honeybees and butterflies. York Region is committed to notifying all bee keepers well ahead of any adulticiding in their area. However, the risk to these insects is minimal as adulticiding programs will be conducted at night when these insects are least active.
