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<DIV><BR><BR><BR>http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/42009<BR><BR>From: David
A Gabel, ENN<BR>Published November 16, 2010 09:30 AM<BR>Modern Insecticides'
Devastating Effects<BR>(Embedded image moved to file:
pic13559.jpg)<BR><BR><BR><BR>Like DDT before it, a new class of insecticides
known as neonicotinoids<BR>is believed to be causing drastic population declines
in bird species.<BR>It is so effective at killing insects, that it has deprived
birds of<BR>their basic food. Some scientists also believe they are behind
the<BR>decline in bee populations in Europe and the United States known
as<BR>honey-bee Colony Collapse Disorder.<BR><BR><BR>Neonicotinoids, which are
part of the nicotine family, are essentially<BR>glued to plant seeds, and
infiltrate the entire plant. Any bug that eats<BR>the plant is immediately
infected. The toxin attacks the central nervous<BR>system and causes a quick
death. It is much less toxic to other animals<BR>because the chemical blocks a
specific neural pathway found more<BR>commonly in insects.<BR><BR><BR>Henk
Tennekes, researcher at the Experimental Toxicology Services in<BR>Zutphen, the
Netherlands, has linked the use of neonicotinoids to<BR>declines in bird
populations in his recent book, The Systemic<BR>Insecticides: A Disaster in the
Making. Tennekes said, "The evidence<BR>shows that the bird species suffering
massive declines since the 1990s<BR>rely on insects for their diet." It is also
accused of causing the<BR>alarming decline in bee populations. Researchers have
found that the<BR>chemical negatively affects the bee's navigational ability
which in<BR>turn, causes the bees to neglect feeding and caring for eggs and
larvae.<BR><BR><BR>However, the true cause of Colony Collapse Disorder is not
fully<BR>understood. Other possible factors include Varroa mites,
insect<BR>diseases, malnutrition, genetically modified crops, and even cell
phone<BR>radiation. Nevertheless, countries like Germany and France have
strictly<BR>limited the use of neonicotinoids. In Germany, it is believe that
the<BR>glue did not sufficiently hold the chemical to the seeds of
agricultural<BR>crops. The chemical could then drift into the environment where
it<BR>affected bees.<BR><BR><BR>The effectiveness of this pesticide has
certainly taken a toll on<BR>insects, but has taken a much more noticeable toll
on birds. In Britain,<BR>the house sparrow population has declined by 68 percent
since 1977.<BR>Since 1994, the common swift population has shrunk by 41 percent
and the<BR>starling by 26 percent. Other birds affected include the
spotted<BR>flycatcher, wood warbler, snipe, and song
thrush.<BR><BR><BR>Neonicotinoids are used on a level far lower than DDT was
used back in<BR>its time, but since it is so efficient at killing insects, it is
having<BR>the same effect. For that reason, it is loved by farmers in
protecting<BR>their crops. The chemical also makes the plants more resistant
to<BR>drought, low pH levels, heat stress, and viral infections.<BR><BR><BR>More
research is needed to conclusively link neonicotinoids to avian<BR>declines.
Regardless, some European countries have taken small steps to<BR>limit its use.
However, Henk Tennekes believes that a global ban is the<BR>only solution.
"Neonicotinoids act like chemical carcinogens, for which<BR>there are no safe
levels of exposure. The message is that we must act<BR>quickly and ban these
compounds, to avoid a catastrophe."<BR><BR><BR>For more information:
http://www.disasterinthemaking.com/<BR></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT lang=0 face="Gill Sans MT" size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"><BR><BR>Laurie Davies Adams<BR>Executive Director<BR>Pollinator
Partnership<BR>P 415 362 1137<BR>F 415 362 3070<BR>423 Washington Street, 5th
Floor<BR>San Francisco, CA 94111<BR><A href="http://www.pollinator.org/">www.pollinator.org</A><BR><A href="http://www.nappc.org/">www.nappc.org</A><U><BR></U>LDA@pollinator.org
<BR><BR></FONT><FONT lang=0 face=Arial color=#000000 size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"><B><I>Take Action for Pollinators at <A href="http://www.pollinator.org/">www.pollinator.org</A>
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