The concentrations of chemicals building up in waters exceeds levels approved as safe by pesticide regulations. Many of the species occupying critical links low in our food chains are being exposed via multiple pathways and by cocktails of chemicals acting together. Earthworms constitute the most exposed populations, followed by bees and butterflies. Freshwater snails and water fleas, important to the aquatic food chain, are also at risk. And, although the neonics are generally safe for vertebrates, birds and reptiles are already at risk from consequences of the accumulation of systemic pesticides. Scientists note that the prophylactic use of pesticides rivals CAFO antibiotic abuse; in both practices, chemicals are dosed into our environment causing real problems in a quest to avoid potential problems. Moreover, the neonics hang around in the soil -- sometimes for years -- which means the concentration of the pollutants build up over time. Worse, some of the degradation products (the chemicals which arise as the initial pesticides break down in soil or water) are more toxic than the original product.
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 02:58:49 +0000