Download Leaked USEPA Report on Unreported Dangers of Bee-Killer Clothianidin

Recently, an important USEPA internal document was leaked regarding the previously undisclosed toxicity of the nicotine pesticide clothianidin ('officially' disclosed - there have been lots of reports disclosing this problem outside of the USEPA). The report's authors suggested that:

"...Clothianidin’s major risk concern is to nontarget insects (that is, honey bees). Clothianidin is a neonicotinoid insecticide that is both persistent and systemic. Acute toxicity studies to honey bees show that clothianidin is highly toxic on both a contact and an oral basis. Although EFED does not conduct RQ based risk assessments on non-target insects, information from standard tests and field studies, as well as incident reports involving other neonicotinoids insecticides (e.g., imidacloprid) suggest the potential for long term toxic risk to honey bees and other beneficial insects. An incident in Germany already illustrated the toxicity of clothianidin to honeybees when allowed to drift off-site from treated seed during planting.

A previous field study (MRID 46907801/46907802) investigated the effects of clothianidin on whole hive parameters and was classified as acceptable. However, after another review of this field study in light of additional information, deficiencies were identified that render the study supplemental. It does not satisfy the guideline 850.3040, and another field study is needed to evaluate the effects of clothianidin on bees through contaminated pollen and nectar. Exposure through contaminated pollen and nectar and potential toxic effects therefore remain an uncertainty for pollinators.

EFED expects adverse effects to bees if clothianidin is allowed to drift from seed planting equipment. Because of this and the uncertainty surrounding the exposure and potential toxicity through contaminated pollen and nectar, EFED is recommending bee precautionary labeling.

The proposed application rates and uses also pose an acute and chronic risk to small birds and mammals when clothianidin treated seeds are applied with low efficiency or no incorporation methods..."

These risks are much the same as those cited by many other studies - especially groundbreaking work in France, Germany, The Netherlands and other nations.

USEPA appears to have tried to downplay the report after the fact, but it made enough of an impression that the entire EPA division was reprimanded for the leak of the report. Reportedly, USEPA staff were told "...Industry won't trust us any more..." since the leak.

Darn - industry won't trust public officials (sarcasm intended).

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