The Devastating Impact of Pesticide-Coated Seeds on US Wildlife

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Pesticide-coated seeds have contaminated 150 million acres of US farmland, leading to devastating environmental impacts.

Environmental groups have sued the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the use of neonicotinoid-coated seeds.

Neonicotinoids are a class of chemicals used in insecticides and are spread on cropland via seeds. They are highly toxic to wildlife, and just one seed can kill a bird.

The chemicals leach into soils and streams, and clouds of neonicotinoid-laced dust during seed plantings have caused mass bee die-offs.

The cropland is now 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 imposed restrictions. However, in the US, neonicotinoid seeds are allowed to be used on crops.

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.

The seeds’ minimal and unenforceable labeling is another issue at the center of the lawsuit. 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 lawsuit seeks to compel the EPA to require stronger and enforceable labeling to protect the environment and wildlife.

Neonicotinoid-coated seeds have a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife. It is important for the EPA to take action to mitigate the harm caused by neonicotinoid seeds.

The lawsuit filed by environmental groups seeks tighter regulation of neonicotinoids on seeds that pollute soil, water, and air. It is time for the EPA to act for our wildlife and the environment.

You can read a detailed and comprehensive analysis about neonicotinoids, here.

Sustainability Awakening.