New papers bring neonic risk assessments into question

Two new papers question the validity of risk assessment methodologies widely accepted by regulators while registering neonicotinoid pesticides, commonly accepted to be a significant contributor to the widespread die-off of honeybees. The papers point toward new research to better understand the complexities of determining the role pesticides play in the bees’ mortality, both directly and indirectly. For instance, some experts question anecdotal evidence about why some bees exposed to neonicotinoids apparently do not show the concerning mortality rates that other bees do when exposed to the toxins. The recently published papers point to the need to better understand the molecular action of the pesticides on the bees and how different routes of exposure affect their health.

Source:
Martin Zook (2013) Pesticide & Chemical Policy Week in Review 4-5