As Canadian research shows increasing pollinator numbers, Health Canada moves to ban imidacloprid.
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Against the backdrop of increasing overwinter honeybee numbers and increased stewardship efforts made by farmers, ag retailers and seed companies, Health Canada per its latest finding recommends phasing out the use of a common insecticide, but not to protect pollinators._x000D_
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In fact, Health Canada’s recent re-evaluation and environmental assessment of imidacloprid did not even include pollinators, as they are part of a separate risk assessment. Instead, government officials focused on food, drinking water, exposure when applying the pesticide and coming into contact with it after application. Through its assessment, Health Canada found:_x000D_
• It is unlikely that use of imidacloprid will affect your health when used according to the label directions._x000D_
• Dietary risks from food and water are not of concern._x000D_
• Risks from use at home or to bystanders are not of concern when used according to label directions._x000D_
• Occupational risks to handlers are not of concern when products are used according to the label directions._x000D_
• Post application risks are not of concern when products are used according to the label directions._x000D_
• In terrestrial environments, imidacloprid poses a potential risk to soil dwelling organisms, beneficial arthropods, birds and small, wild mammals._x000D_
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From its research, Health Canada reports that concentrations of imidacloprid in surface water can range from non-detectable to, in some rare cases, levels as high as 11.9 parts per billion. Scientific evidence indicates that levels above 0.041 parts per billion are a concern._x000D_
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Focus on Waterways and Aquatic Insects_x000D_
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As such, Health Canada reports that the current use of imidacloprid is “not sustainable,” and the levels of this pesticide found in waterways and aquatic environments are harmful to aquatic insects, such as mayflies and midges — important food sources for fish, birds and other animals._x000D_
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In the Proposed Re-evaluation Decision PRVD2016-20, Imidacloprid, Health Canada and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency propose to cancel the use of imidacloprid for trees (except when applied as an injection), greenhouse uses, outdoor agricultural uses, commercial seed treatment uses and turf._x000D_
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The Nov. 23 announcement “follows a detailed science-based evaluation and demonstrates our government’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making,” says Minister of Health Jane Philpott. PMRA will accept comments until Feb. 21, 2017._x000D_
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These comments will be compiled and taken into consideration prior to publishing the final rule._x000D_
The announcement was met with criticism from seed industry groups, who called the recommendations misguided and lacking in science._x000D_
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Derrick Rozdeba, Bayer CropScience’s vice-president of communications, says the company is “extremely disappointed” with Health Canada’s proposal to phase out imidacloprid. “We will conduct a thorough review of its proposal and supporting data, and provide input into the consultation process,” he adds._x000D_
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Many scientists, beekeepers and agri-industries have turned their attention to mitigating the harmful effects of neonicotinoids rather than calling for an outright ban of the insecticides in seed coatings, but that’s not where government is headed._x000D_
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In addition, the federal agency also plans to review the use of two other neonicotinoids. “These special reviews will examine any potential risks clothianidin and thiamethoxam may pose to aquatic invertebrates … as they are also being detected frequently in aquatic environments,” according to Health Canada.
