Science & Environment
Pesticides put bees at risk, European watchdog confirms.
By Helen Briggs
Most uses of insecticides known as neonicotinoids represent a risk to wild bees and honeybees, the European Food Safety Authority has confirmed.
The use of neonicotinoids has been restricted in the European Union since 2013, following earlier risk assessments.
Nations will discuss a European Commission proposal to extend the ban next month.
Neonicotinoids are the world’s most widely used insecticide.
The new assessment considered more than 1,500 studies on the impacts of three neonicotinoids – clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.
“There is variability in the conclusions, due to factors such as the bee species, the intended use of the pesticide and the route of exposure,” said Jose Tarazona, head of the European Food Safety Authority’s pesticides unit. “Some low risks have been identified, but overall the risk to the three types of bees we have assessed is confirmed.”
* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.