Introduction
Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over pesticide-coated seeds that they claim have “devastating environmental impacts.” In this article, we will explore the dimensions of this issue.
The Extent of the Neonicotinoid Seed Issue
The suit alleges that neonicotinoid seeds are now spread on about 150 million acres of US farmland, and that up to 95% of the pesticide on the seed sheds, polluting nearby soil, water, and air. The seeds are so toxic to wildlife that just one can kill a bird.
The Environmental and Health Impacts of Neonicotinoid Seeds
Neonicotinoids are a controversial class of chemicals used in insecticides widely spread on cropland to treat for pests. While they can be sprayed on cropland, about 95% of it is distributed via seeds. The chemicals are water-soluble and easily leach into soils and streams, and clouds of neonicotinoid-laced dust released during seed plantings have caused mass bee die-offs.
The neonicotinoid seeds are highly toxic to pollinators, insects, birds, and aquatic organisms that build the base of our food chain. Neonicotinoids from three major producers affect about 75% of all endangered species, the EPA recently found. Cropland is now about 50 times more toxic than just a quarter of a century ago, contributing to an “insect apocalypse.” The European Union has banned their outdoor use, and Canada has also imposed restrictions.
The Legal Action Taken Against the EPA
The lawsuit filed by the Center for Food Safety and Pesticide Action Network North America seeks to force tighter regulation of neonicotinoids on seeds that pollute soil, water, and air. Among the issues at the center of the lawsuit is the seeds’ minimal and unenforceable labeling. The suit asks a judge to compel the agency to require stronger and enforceable labeling.
The suit also challenges the EPA’s exemption of the seeds from registration as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (Fifra). Registration would trigger closer scrutiny of their environmental and health impacts, and force the EPA to weigh the seeds’ benefits against their costs. The agency would have to show the seeds do not cause unreasonable or adverse effects to the environment, as is the standard under Fifra.
The Need for Stronger and Enforceable Labeling
The lawsuit seeks to compel the EPA to require stronger and enforceable labeling to protect the environment and wildlife. The seeds’ minimal and unenforceable labeling is at the center of the lawsuit.
The Exemption of Seeds from Registration as Pesticides under Fifra
The suit challenges the EPA’s exemption of the seeds from registration as pesticides under Fifra, which would trigger closer scrutiny of their environmental and health impacts. The EPA has claimed it has already thoroughly studied neonicotinoids and does not need to conduct reviews of the seed. However, the CFS and Pesticide Action Network North America are challenging this denial as unlawful. Coated seeds have significant adverse effects on the environment, and EPA cannot continue to avoid its duty to review, balance the costs and benefits, and mitigate harm by unilaterally exempting coated seeds from Fifra.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neonicotinoid-coated seeds have a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife. The lawsuit filed by environmental groups seeks tighter regulation of neonicotinoids on seeds that pollute soil, water, and air. It is important for the EPA to take action to mitigate the harm caused by neonicotinoid seeds, including the need for stronger and enforceable labeling and the exemption of seeds from registration as pesticides under Fifra.
FAQs
What are the examples of neonicotinoid pesticides?
Examples of neonicotinoid pesticides include acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam.
What are neonicotinoids used for?
Neonicotinoids are used as insecticides to control pests on a wide variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, and fruit and vegetable crops.
What is the difference between nicotinoids and neonicotinoids?
Nicotinoids are a class of insecticides that also includes neonicotinoids. The main difference between the two is that neonicotinoids are synthetic compounds, while nicotinoids are derived from nicotine, a natural compound found in tobacco plants.
How do neonicotinoids affect insects?
Neonicotinoids affect insects by binding to and activating specific receptors in their nervous systems, causing overstimulation and ultimately leading to paralysis and death.
What is the mechanism of action of neonicotinoids?
The mechanism of action of neonicotinoids involves binding to specific receptors in an insect’s nervous system, causing overstimulation and leading to paralysis and death.
What is the biological action of neonicotinoids?
The biological action of neonicotinoids is to disrupt the nervous systems of insects, leading to paralysis and death.
Do neonicotinoids affect humans?
The risk of harm to humans from neonicotinoids is generally considered to be low. However, exposure to high levels of neonicotinoids can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness.
How do neonicotinoids affect bees?
Neonicotinoids can have a harmful effect on bees by impairing their ability to navigate and forage, weakening their immune systems, and ultimately leading to colony collapse.
What are the characteristics of neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides that are absorbed by plants and can persist in the environment for long periods of time. They are highly toxic to insects and can have harmful effects on non-target organisms, including pollinators and aquatic organisms.
What are the sources of neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids are used as insecticides on a wide variety of crops and can also be found in some household products.
What are the three neonicotinoids?
The three most commonly used neonicotinoids are imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam.
What is the mechanism of toxicity of neonicotinoids?
The mechanism of toxicity of neonicotinoids involves binding to specific receptors in an insect’s nervous system, causing overstimulation and leading to paralysis and death.
5 household products that contain neonicotinoids
Some household products that may contain neonicotinoids include flea and tick treatments, ant and roach baits, and some pet shampoos.
Are neonicotinoids harmful to humans?
The risk of harm to humans from neonicotinoids is generally considered to be low. However, exposure to high levels of neonicotinoids can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness.
How do neonicotinoid pesticides work?
Neonicotinoid pesticides work by binding to specific receptors in an insect’s nervous system, causing overstimulation and ultimately leading to paralysis and death.
How long do neonicotinoids stay in plants?
Neonicotinoids can persist in plants for varying lengths of time, depending on factors such as the type of neonicotinoid, the plant species, and environmental conditions. Some neonicotinoids can remain in plants for several months or even years.
Why are neonicotinoids bad?
Neonicotinoids are considered harmful because they can have negative effects on non-target organisms, including pollinators and aquatic organisms, and can persist in the environment for long periods of time. Neonicotinoids have also been linked to declines in bee populations and other insect species, which can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and human food supplies.
