• SNAP Tour of Organic Vegetable Garden
  • Link to SK Organic Resources
  • Grow a Lush Garden Organically
  • Learn About Pesticides in Foods
  • Learn to Manage Pests Naturally
  • Learn About Colony Collapse Disorder and How to Protect Bees
  • Learn To Manage Weeds Without Chemical Pesticides
  • SNAP Display at Event
  • Driving Near Recently Sprayed Fields Exposes People to Pesticides
  • Learn to Keep Insects Out of your Crops

Archives for 2022

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Pesticide Spraying of Urban Trees Found to Disrupt Natural Biological Management of Landscapes

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Pesticide Spraying of Urban Trees Found to Disrupt Natural Biological Management of Landscapes

(Beyond Pesticides, November 16, 2022) Putting up with moderate pest levels can attract and maintain predators and parasitoids that provide important biological control services throughout the landscape, according to research recently published in Environmental Entomology

In general, shrubs underneath scale infested trees contain significantly more pest predators than those underneath uninfested trees. This difference built over the course of sampling time, with three day samples showing less difference than nine day samples.

These findings underscore the importance of patience and timing within the natural pest management approach.   “Treating a tree with pesticides could kill off natural enemies that would otherwise help manage nearby pests. In other words, treating a tree with pesticides could alleviate pest problems within the tree but could result in pest outbreaks in shrubs beneath the tree as natural enemies are killed off.”

SNAP COMMENT: Makes sense. Unsure how it translates to urban plantings with no shrubs. Does that mean that planting trees spaced in rows by themselves makes them more susceptible to pests?

filed under forestry/urban trees and wildlife section overview

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Study Finds that Pollinators, Not Pesticides, Are More Important to Higher Crop Yields

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Study Finds that Pollinators, Not Pesticides, Are More Important to Higher Crop Yields

(Beyond Pesticides, November 23, 2022) A new study throws into question the value of the pest management concept of setting action levels around pest infestations. In the course of watermelon production over a span of two years, pollination, not pest levels, was the key determining factor for yield.

Action levels are considered an important aspect of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach in agriculture, whereby a pest infestation reaches levels considered economically unacceptable, leading to a decision to engage in pest control. The concept of IPM however has been influenced by the chemical industry over the decades since its original definition and recent data indicates that it has failed to stop toxic pesticide use. The original intent of IPM was the adoption of preventive practices and utilization of nonchemical tools, placing pesticide use as a last resort when pest control is warranted. 

As the study finds, “This collective work, including the data reported here, strongly suggest that in watermelon, and potentially other pollinator-dependent crops, insecticide applications, counterintuitively, have a higher likelihood of reducing than increasing yields due to interference with bee foraging and the lack of threat posed by the pest community

filed under IPM/effectiveness and reduction strategy

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Sperm Count Documented To Be in Substantial and Persistent Decline

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Sperm Count Documented To Be in Substantial and Persistent Decline

(Beyond Pesticides, November 18, 2022) A new meta-analysis, from researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the University of Copenhagen, among others, finds that the drop in global sperm count is accelerating and the problem has become global.  A primary culprit, among a plexus of factors, is widespread exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides, in the environment. Beyond the implications for individuals and families, this global decline in sperm counts has the potential for population-level impacts and, according to Dr. Shanna Swan, an expert environmental–reproductive epidemiologist, could mean that “in the coming decades, large swaths of the global population of men could be subfertile or infertile.”

filed under reproductive health

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Findings Add to Crisis, Antibiotics in Agriculture, Lawns, and Landscapes Threaten Health

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Findings Add to Crisis, Antibiotics in Agriculture, Lawns, and Landscapes Threaten Health
(Beyond Pesticides, November 14, 2022) Glyphosate weed killers induce antibiotic resistance in deadly hospital-acquired bacteria, according to a new study published late last month in the journal Scientific Reports.
These two facts lead to the conclusion that we must stop broadcasting pesticides in the environment and applying them to food. The crisis in antibiotic resistance, which creates a threat of another pandemic, is ignored in the registration of pesticides.

filed under glyphosate and resistance

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Fungi that Survive Fungicide Use Multiply and Thrive

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Fungi that Survive Fungicide Use Multiply and Thrive

(Beyond Pesticides, November 22, 2022) Fungus that survive a fungicide application may be able to multiply and thrive, putting plant yields at risk. This finding comes from research recently published by scientists at University of Illinois, focusing on the impact of fungicide use on soybean yields and the disease Septoria brown spot, caused by the fungus Septoria glycines. The research underlines the danger of preventive chemical applications in an attempt to protect yield and shows how precarious pesticide use can be when subject to the complexity seen in field conditions.

The takeaway is to not proceed down the path of incessant preventive spraying but instead to reconsider the need for any pesticide application in the context of complex processes occurring on the leaf surface of soybean plants. “But what I’m learning from the study is that we don’t know exactly what we’re doing when we apply fungicides to protect yield. We need to learn more about the unintended effects of chemical applications.” and develop natural bio- alternatives.

When we applied the fungicide, most of the fungi on plant surfaces decreased,” said Santiago Mideros, PhD, study coauthor and professor at the University of Illinois. “But a few of the fungi increased, Septoria among them. It was very surprising.”

Scientists employed a mixture of the fungicides fluxapyroxad and pyraclostrobin, which are commonly used throughout the Midwest to manage fungal diseases in soybean crops. 

SNAP Comments: As of 7 December 2022, 22 fluxapyroxad and 53 pyraclostrobin pesticides are registered in Canada.

filed under fungicides and resistance

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Co-Exposure to Organophosphate Insecticides and Covid-19 Elevates Threat of Cardiovascular Disease

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Co-Exposure to Organophosphate Insecticides and Covid-19 Elevates Threat of Cardiovascular Disease

(Beyond Pesticides, November 17, 2022) A report published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology finds organophosphate (OP) insecticides and the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19) illicit similar damage to the heart and co-occurring exposure to both can escalate cardiac (heart) injury.  OPs have a wide range of biological uses—from insecticides to flame retardants—that make these chemicals ubiquitous, significantly contributing to ecosystem contamination. These compounds have a global distribution, with evaporation and precipitation facilitating long-range atmospheric transport, deposition, and bioaccumulation of hazardous chemicals in the environment. OPs are highly toxic, originating from the same compounds as World War II nerve agents, and residues are consistently present in human and animal blood, urine, tissues, and milk.

filed under cardiovascular and organophosphates

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides Make Plants Less Attractive to Bumblebees, Research Shows

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Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides Make Plants Less Attractive to Bumblebees, Research Shows  (Beyond Pesticides, November 15, 2022) 

A new mechanism of interference with pollinators. 'Spraying a flowering plant with synthetic fertilizers makes it less attractive to bumblebees, according to research published this month in PNAS Nexus. “A big issue is thus—agrochemical application can distort floral cues and modify behaviour in pollinators like bees,” said study author Ellard Hunting, PhD, of the University of Bristol, UK.
The experiment was then repeated with a rooted, still growing flowering plant (Jacobaea vulgaris), and this time researchers measured the electrical field around the flower. Scientists found that fertilizers increase the flower’s electric field, which then slowly returned to its previous state.
While water resulted in a change in stem potential that lasted up to a minute, synthetic fertilizers changed stem potential for 16 minutes, and the neonicotinoid imidacloprid showed alterations that lasted for up to 25 minutes. These measurements aligned directly with observed declines in bumblebee foraging interest in flowers recently sprayed with the agrichemcials. The authors note, “Since many chemicals used in agriculture and horticulture carry an electric charge, the observed mechanism could potentially be relevant for a wide array of chemicals.”
“The fact that fertilisers affect pollinator behavior by interfering with the way an organism perceives its physical environment offers a new perspective on how human-made chemicals disturb the natural environment,” Dr. Hunting notes.
These results fly in the face of outdated toxicological approaches that agrichemical companies hide behind when confronted with the on the ground impacts of their dangerous products, such as 15th century Paracelsian concept that “dose makes the poison.” '

filed under insects

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Hormone Mimicking Properties of Glyphosate Weed Killer and Related Compounds Increase Breast Cancer Risk

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Hormone Mimicking Properties of Glyphosate Weed Killer and Related Compounds Increase Breast Cancer Risk

(Beyond Pesticides, November 25, 2022) 'A study published in Chemosphere adds to the growing body of research demonstrating the endocrine (hormone) disrupting effects of glyphosate play in breast cancer development.    “The results obtained in this study are of toxicological relevance since they indicate that glyphosate could be a potential endocrine disruptor in the mammalian system. Additionally, these findings suggest that glyphosate at high concentrations may have strong significance in tamoxifen resistance and breast cancer progression. Further studies in animal models must confirm these effects on organ systems.”

filed under glyphosate and cancer/links

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

EPA’s Deficient Pesticide Analysis Contributes to Ecological Decline

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EPA’s Deficient Pesticide Analysis Contributes to Ecological Decline

(Beyond Pesticides, November 21, 2022) Once again, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered a new pesticide without performing a thorough review of its impacts on biodiversity as well as threatened and endangered species. Inpyrfluxam was registered in 2020 and only after being sued by the Center for Biological Diversity for failure to comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) did EPA commit to completing draft effects determinations by Fall 2022. 

SNAP Comment: As of 7 December, 2022, 9 Inpyrfluxam (a fungicide) are currently registered in Canada. I doubt we did a better job than the US EPA regarding its dangers to biodiversity. 

filed under fungicides and legislation/regulatory/USA

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Resilient, Sustainable and Equitable and Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change

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Resilient, Sustainable and Equitable and Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change  (Rachel Bezner Kerr, PhD, National Pesticide Forum, Beyond Pesticides, Health, Biodiversity and Climate, a Path for a Livable future, 29 November 2022), followed by Organic Agriculture for Climate Mitigation by Andrew Smith, PhD. The whole presentation can also be found at Beyond Pesticides national forum recordings 2022. The link above is to Beyond Pesticides Youtube channel. 

Rachel Bezner Kerr, PhD, is a Professor in Global Development at Cornell University, and does research in Africa on sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, food security and nutrition. Andrew Smith, PhD, Chief Operations Officer at Rodale Institute, is passionate about growing the organic movement by providing science-based solutions to farmers and facilitating opportunities to expand the number of organic farmers and farmland across the globe. He is coauthor of Regenerative Organic Agriculture and the Soil Carbon Solution.

filed under climate change

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Biodiversity and Multifunctional Landscapes

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Biodiversity and Multifunctional Landscapes  (Lucas Alejandro Garibaldi, PhD, Biodiversity session, National Pesticide Forum, Beyond Pesticides, Health, Biodiversity and Climate, a Path for a Livable future, 12 October 2022), and Bob Quinn, PhD, farmer and miller (Montana Flour and Grains) in Big Sandy, Montana has lived the value of organic food production and land management since the full conversion of his 2,400-acre family farm in Montana in 1989.. The whole presentation can also be found at Beyond Pesticides national forum recordings 2022. The link above is to Beyond Pesticides Youtube channel. 

Dr Garibaldi, PhD, Is part of an international community of scientists both documenting the existential biodiversity crisis and calling for transformative change. He is a contributor to the IPBES report and co-chair the Transformative Change Assessment, which is charged with outlining the options for achieving the 2050 vision for biodiversity. The Solution: The IPBES report endorses the transition away from pesticide-laden agricultural practices and toward sustainable agriculture to meet the challenges of protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Organic land management systems that eliminate fossil fuel-based toxic pesticides and fertilizers makes a substantial contribution in addressing the dire threat to biodiversity. 

filed under wildllife section overview

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Pesticides, TILT, and Mast Cells: a Growing Global Concern

how pesticides and other tixins cause chemical sensitivities

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Pesticides, TILT, and Mast Cells: a Growing Global Concern (Health session, National Pesticide Forum, Beyond Pesticides, Health, Biodiversity and Climate, a Path for a Livable future, 15 September 2022). around 1 hour. Followed by "The farmers restoring Hawaii’s ancient food forests that once fed an island" by Kaipo Kekona. The whole presentation can also be found at Beyond Pesticides national forum recordings 2022. The original link is on youtube.

also links to Dr Millar's other presentation:  Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance for Chemicals, Foods, and Drugs: A Global Phenomenon  (Dr Claudia Miller,  June 20, 2022, video presentation at Microbiome First.) with links to studies and materials.

filed under Health/ Immune/ Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Monday, November 28, 2022

Weed Killer Use Destroys Soil Life and Ecosystems, Paper Finds

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Weed Killer Use Destroys Soil Life and Ecosystems, Paper Finds

(Beyond Pesticides, November 11, 2022) 'A paper published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution in late October sounds an unnerving alarm about the globally ubiquitous use of herbicides and the ecological destruction being caused. It asserts that widespread environmental contamination with these herbicide compounds is influencing soil, plant, and animal microbiomes in ways that are not only not well understood, but also, can have significant impacts on the functioning of organisms and their ecosystems — with evolutionary implications. '

'The study authors also note that adjuvant, “inert” ingredients in herbicide formulations can sometimes be even more toxic to non-target organisms than the active ingredients themselves,' In the US, these are untested for that effect and also secret. They are also secret in Canada but I am unsure if they have been tested for effects on non-target organisms. Likely not. 

'The study identifies classes or modes of action for a host of herbicide active ingredients, including whether they act directly or indirectly on microbiota, and their respective effects on soil, plant, or animal microbiomes. Among the modes (and sample compounds) that have direct impacts on microbes are:

  • ACC (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) inhibitors (e.g., diclofop-methyl, haloxyfop)
  • ALS (acetolactate synthase) inhibitors (sulfonylureas, triazolopyrimidines)
  • EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) inhibitors in the shikimate pathway (glyphosate)
  • glutamine synthetase inhibitors (glufosinate)

The mechanisms that exhibit indirect impacts, including on cellular metabolism and hormone synthesis, are auxin-like herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba); photosystem (related to photosynthesis) inhibitors (triazines, paraquat, diphenyl ether); and gibberellin (plant hormone that stimulates stem elongation, germination, and flowering) inhibitors (acetochlor, metolachlor, pendimethalin). The indirect impacts on microbiota include those that degrade bacterial diversity, erode microbial community structure, and disable nitrogen-fixing bacteria.'

filed under microbiota changes and soils

Monday, November 28, 2022

Life On or Near Chemical-Intensive Farms Associated with Increase in Respiratory Diseases

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Life On or Near Chemical-Intensive Farms Associated with Increase in Respiratory Diseases

(Beyond Pesticides, November 4, 2022) 'Rural populations in the U.S., a new study finds, are particularly at risk for agriculture-related exposures associated with respiratory diseases and other kinds of airway inflammation. The exposures include those to pesticides, livestock facilities, smoke from biomass burning, agricultural dust, and endotoxin. The study paper also looked at potential protective roles for dietary DHA, and for raw milk consumption (early in life).' The study is 'published in Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America please note: this research paper is behind a paywall,'

'The study researchers assert that, “When compared with those who live in metropolitan counties, dwellers of rural areas . . . have increased percentages of preventable deaths from the five leading causes of death (i.e., cancer, heart disease, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke), with the largest disparity demonstrated from chronic respiratory disease.” They add, “Despite significant progress in farming technology, modern farming is still associated with many hazardous exposures, and is consistently identified as one of the most dangerous industries in which to work, from a health and safety perspective.”

A 2021 study cited in the subject paper concluded that asthma mortality rates are significantly higher across all ages groups in areas with populations lower than 10,000 (with an average incidence rate of 13.4 per million residents) than in large metropolitan areas (at an average rate of 8.8 per million).'

filed under respiratory

Monday, November 28, 2022

Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides Make Plants Less Attractive to Bumblebees, Research Shows

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Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides Make Plants Less Attractive to Bumblebees, Research Shows

(Beyond Pesticides, November 15, 2022) 'Spraying a flowering plant with synthetic fertilizers makes it less attractive to bumblebees, according to research published this month in PNAS Nexus.  “A big issue is thus—agrochemical application can distort floral cues and modify behaviour in pollinators like bees,” said study author Ellard Hunting, PhD, of the University of Bristol, UK. 

The experiment was then repeated with a rooted, still growing flowering plant (Jacobaea vulgaris), and this time researchers measured the electrical field around the flower. Scientists found that fertilizers increase the flower’s electric field, which then slowly returned to its previous state.

While water resulted in a change in stem potential that lasted up to a minute, synthetic fertilizers changed stem potential for 16 minutes, and the neonicotinoid imidacloprid showed alterations that lasted for up to 25 minutes. These measurements aligned directly with observed declines in bumblebee foraging interest in flowers recently sprayed with the agrichemcials. The authors note, “Since many chemicals used in agriculture and horticulture carry an electric charge, the observed mechanism could potentially be relevant for a wide array of chemicals.”

“The fact that fertilisers affect pollinator behavior by interfering with the way an organism perceives its physical environment offers a new perspective on how human-made chemicals disturb the natural environment,” Dr. Hunting notes.

These results fly in the face of outdated toxicological approaches that agrichemical companies hide behind when confronted with the on the ground impacts of their dangerous products, such as 15th century Paracelsian concept that “dose makes the poison.” '

filed under insects and neonicotinoids

Monday, November 28, 2022

Kids and Kidney Cancer: Implication for Prenatal Pesticide Exposure

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Kids and Kidney Cancer: Implication for Prenatal Pesticide Exposure

(Beyond Pesticides, November 10, 2022) A meta-analysis by the University Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada, adds to the plethora of research linking prenatal (before birth/during pregnancy) pesticide exposure to carcinogenic (cancer) tumor development. The analysis, published in Human & Experimental Toxicology, finds parental exposure to pesticides during the preconception (before pregnancy) or pregnancy period increases the risk of Wilms’ tumor (a type of kidney cancer) occurrence among children.

The report also examines occupational versus residential exposure and before-birth (prenatal) versus after-birth (postnatal) exposure. These results strengthen the finding that parental pesticide exposure before or during pregnancy correlates with increased risk for Wilms’ tumor in a child. The IRAC/WHO monographs support this conclusion and policies to stop specific pesticide use to prevent future cases of cancer.

The study concludes, “Pesticide exposure in household/residential settings seems to contribute to Wilms’ tumor etiology. 

filed under cancer/links, kidney and children

Monday, November 28, 2022

Findings Add to Crisis, Antibiotics in Agriculture, Lawns, and Landscapes Threaten Health

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Findings Add to Crisis, Antibiotics in Agriculture, Lawns, and Landscapes Threaten Health

(Beyond Pesticides, November 14, 2022) Glyphosate weed killers induce antibiotic resistance in deadly hospital-acquired bacteria, according to a new study published late last month in the journal Scientific Reports

These two facts lead to the conclusion that we must stop broadcasting pesticides in the environment and applying them to food. The crisis in antibiotic resistance, which creates a threat of another pandemic, is ignored in the registration of pesticides. 

filed under resistance and glyphosate

Monday, November 28, 2022

Glyphosate Induces Antibiotic Resistance in Deadly Hospital-Acquired Infection

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Glyphosate Induces Antibiotic Resistance in Deadly Hospital-Acquired Infection

(Beyond Pesticides, November 8, 2022) Glyphosate weed killers induce antibiotic resistance in deadly hospital-acquired bacteria, according to a new study published late last month in the journal Scientific Reports.

To better understand the role pesticides like glyphosate are playing in these deadly infections, scientists examined five different strains of P. aeruginosa, four retrieved from the environment and one from a clinical setting. All represented strains that were initially sensitive to antibiotics.

These strains were exposed to both technical grade glyphosate and a range of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) formulations, including the products Roundup Mega, Dominator Extra 608 SL, Gladiator 480 SL (which are sold only in Europe). P. aeruginosa was exposed to 0.5% of glyphosate and GBH products per the volume of the medium (equivalent to 1.8–2.8 g/L glyphosate acid depending on the type of formulation). “This concentration falls within the recommended dilution range of GBHs 0.2–3.5% (v/v) for agricultural and household use and similar to those found in water after agricultural practices,” the study notes.

At this level, glyphosate and its formulated products significantly increase the minimum inhibitory concentration (the lowest concentration of an antibiotic that would inhibit the growth of a given bacteria) of P. aeruginosa to the carbapenem-type antibiotic imipenem by between 2-32 fold.

filed under immune/infections and glyphosate

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Intercropping: An Underutilized Tool

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Intercropping: An Underutilized Tool (PANNA, 11 November 2022) 

It can work in any type of farming system. 'My own experience tells me that intercropping is just like any other potentially effective tool;  you need to expend a little effort on becoming proficient before you fully understand what it can do for you. It was only when we fully embraced intercropping for our melons and watermelons that we unlocked the potential for vine crops to really thrive on our farm. And we do that while also supporting pollinators, promoting the health of our soil, attracting beneficial organisms and suppressing weeds.'

A diversified cropping system is more likely to provide consistent returns from year to year without external support. There is research that shows us that intentional diversity in cropping systems can provide natural pest control, improve soil health, decrease weed biomass, attract beneficial organisms — believe it or not — improve overall production.

with explanation and examples on how to introduce intercropping.

filed under reduction strategy 

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Pesticides & climate change A vicious cycle

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Pesticides & climate change: A vicious cycle (PANNA,10 November 2022)

with link to the executive summary in English, Spanish and French.

New report indicating that pesticides contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while, at the same time, climate change is expected to increase pesticide applications. It’s a vicious cycle. 
Real solutions
Despite these findings, the reduction of synthetic pesticide use has been omitted from climate change solutions. Instead, synthetic pesticide use has been presented as a climate change mitigation strategy by industrial agriculture interests.

The real solution addresses all sides of this vicious cycle: agroecology! The adoption of alternative agricultural systems minimizes or eliminates synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use while increasing the resilience of our farming systems to better withstand climate change impacts.

filed under climate change and reduction strategy

Monday, November 7, 2022

Chemicals Added to Herbicides to Reduce Drift Actually Drift Themselves, Are Significant Air Pollutants

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Chemicals Added to Herbicides to Reduce Drift Actually Drift Themselves, Are Significant Air Pollutants

(Beyond Pesticides, November 2, 2022) Inert ingredients called “amines” that are added to pesticides in attempts to reduce drift and volatility are themselves highly volatile and may represent a significant source of air pollution, according to research recently published in Environmental Science and Technology.

 Large quantities of herbicide-amine mixtures are being sprayed onto crops across the country... Amines are chemical compounds derived from ammonia and often added to herbicide formulations for glyphosate, dicamba, and 2,4-D products to increase solubility and reduce volatilization. In theory, amines reduce volatilization by forming herbicide-amine salts which lock the herbicide vapors in place.

Researchers conducted an experiment measuring amine and herbicide losses from herbicide-amine salts...Generally, more amines than herbicide residues were lost during the drying process, but this shifted slightly under higher temperatures. With increasing heat, researchers found both higher amine releases, and evidence of increased herbicide volatility, reinforcing earlier studies.

With half of glyphosate, 44% of 2,4-D, and nearly 90% of dicamba use employing an amine-based product formulation, the study estimates that herbicide use releases approximately 4,000 metric tons of amines in the US annually. When considering the use of these herbicides in other countries, as US applications account for only roughly 12% of global use, herbicide amine emissions can be compared to the 285,000 metric tons of amines globally recorded as released into the atmosphere each year from other sources, such as industrial manufacturing and livestock emissions.

Despite their listing as an “inert” ingredient, amines are toxicologically active substances. Once present in the atmosphere, amine vapors oxidize and form nitrosamines and nitroamines, which are potent carcinogens. Their release and transformation in the atmosphere likewise results in the creation of fine particulate matter that can affect heart and lung health.

filed under formulants/inerts and pesticide drift

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Pesticide Mixtures Reduce Life Span of Honey Bees, Damage Gut Microbiome

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Pesticide Mixtures Reduce Life Span of Honey Bees, Damage Gut Microbiome

(Beyond Pesticides, November 1, 2022) Study done with field relevant concentrations. 'Honey bees exposed to a combination of multiple pesticides suffer a reduced lifespan and experience adverse changes to their gut microbiome, increasing susceptibility to pathogens and disease. This finding comes from a study published recently in Science of the Total Environment, which examines the interactions between the insecticides flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor and the fungicide azoxystrobin on honey bee health.   As the present study reveals, pesticide risk assessments do not inadequately capture the range of harm that can result when pesticides are combined, necessitating a shift toward safer, alternative, and regenerative organic farming systems that do not use these dangerous chemicals.

For the initial experiment on individual bees, those exposed to flupyradifurone fared the worst, experiencing significantly reduced survival (50% reduction). The addition of azoxystrobin did not significantly add to this effect. However, with sulfoxaflor, it did. Bees subjected to sulfoxaflor and azoxystrobin in combination experienced significantly reduced survival when compared to a sole sulfoxaflor exposure.'

All experimental groups 'show significantly increased abundance of Serratia spp. This rod-shaped bacteria can serious harm honey bee fitness. “These bacteria are pathogenic and harmful to bees’ health,” said Dr. Al Naggar. “They can make it harder for the insects to fight off infection, leading to premature death.”  

filed under Bee Die-offSulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone, fungicides, mixture effects

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Breast Cancer Month: Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Breast Cancer Risk (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)

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Breast Cancer Month: Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Breast Cancer Risk (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)

(Beyond Pesticides, October 27, 2022) A study published in Environment International adds to the growing body of research evaluating the association between neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics/NIs) and breast cancer... this study is one of the few to evaluate the toxicological and molecular mechanisms involved in initiating breast cancer events.

The study evaluates the activity of seven neonics on the GPER pathway using a calcium mobilization assay. The seven neonics include thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, clothianidin, acetamiprid, and dinotefuran. Of the seven neonicsclothianidin, acetamiprid, and dinotefuran bind most strongly and activate GPER, thus indicating these chemicals induce breast cancer cell migration. Thus, GPER is a potential molecular target for the estrogenic disruption of neonicotinoids. Overall, the study demonstrates that neonics promote breast cancer progression through the GPER pathway at human-related exposure levels.

SNAP Comment: All are registered in Canada, except nitenpyram.

filed under cancer/links and neonicotinoids

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Tackling the Environmental Challenges of Rising Pesticide Use in Canada

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Tackling the Environmental Challenges of Rising Pesticide Use in Canada   By Dr Christy Morrissey (University of SK), UNBC-NRESI Colloquium Series, 14 October, 2022)  (University of Northern British Columbia colloquium series) 

Great one hour video presentation by Dr Morrissey. Worth watching. Lots of graphs with information new to me: like 

  • the area treated (Canadian Census of Agriculture) maps for herbicide, fungicide and insecticide. Prairies saw a 58% increase in herbicides, 50% (conservative estimate) insecticides and 412% more fungicides. Also increase in BC, S. ON and everywhere in Canada. (@6 min 40). According to her data, SK uses 80% of all Canadian pesticides.
  • Landscape simplification drives higher pesticide use, especially insecticides.
  • risk of wetland contamination very high in most of areas of Prairies because of seed treatment, which is also the main reason for increased pesticide use.
  • Fungicides in seed treatment are used to potentiate the insecticide, not for disease prevention.
  • SK study relating increased pesticide residues in wetlands with reduced insect diversity and numbers.
  •  it takes only 15 minutes for Red-winged Blackbird to feel really sick from eating neonicotinoid treated seeds and quit eating (equivalent to 4 canola seeds). so whether it survives or not, depends on how much it ate.There is a razor-thin margin between losing body mass and dying.

filed under pesticide use, water/SK, wildlife section , neonicotinoids

Friday, November 4, 2022

Fungicide Use Harms Beneficial Soil Life, Jeopardizes Crop Yields

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Fungicide Use Harms Beneficial Soil Life, Jeopardizes Crop Yields

(Beyond Pesticides, October 25, 2022) Fungicide use harms soil and jeopardizes crop yields by reducing the prevalence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), according to recent research published in Nature Ecology and Evolution. AMF are important fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plants in both natural and cropland soils, and their presence helps facilitate nutrient uptake, particularly for phosphorus. 

The natural grassland soils took up 64% more 33P (phosphorus, an essential crop nurient) than soils from the cropland sites. Analysis also finds that AMF richness and microbial biomass was lower in croplands soils by 41% and 29% respectively, with these soils having significantly more available P than in natural grassland soil. 

 Cropland soils that were not treated with a fungicide had an average P transfer 2.3 times greater than soils that had three fungicide applications over the last year in the study. In fact, P recovery rates decreased in tandem with the number of each additional fungicide application. Unsurprisingly, scientists found evidence for fungicides diminishing AMF richness, thereby reducing P uptake.

This experiment was done of the weed Plantago lanceolata because of its known ability to form associations with a range of different AMF species. Most domesticated crops grown today are not bred to have a symbiotic relationship with AMF. 

filed under fungicides and soils

Friday, November 4, 2022

Common Herbicide Contributes to Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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Common Herbicide Contributes to Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

(Beyond Pesticides, October 25, 2022) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be exacerbated by exposure to the herbicide propyzamide, used in both agriculture and on ornamental lawns and landscapes, according to research published in the journal Nature this month.  Recent data show that the number of people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, common types of IBD, have risen annually by 3.4% and 2.8% respectively, between just the years 2001 to 2018.

(S)cientists cross-referenced data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ToxCast database to screen hundreds of different chemicals that had an affect on intestinal inflammation. Ultimately, 20 candidate chemicals were found, and scientists decided to focus on propyzamide due to its broad use patterns in food and in residential areas.

Using a mouse model, scientists found that propyzamide worsened an inflammatory process that had already been triggered by another exposure, but did not initiate the inflammation.

SNAP Comment: As of 4 Nov 2022, there are only 3 propyzamide herbicides registered with the PMRA. Historically there were 5. There are sstill 18 registered formulations in the US. There is only one commercial one, wht a registration expiring in 2026. It is used for control of weeds in alfalfa, trefoil, ornamentals, strawberries, apples, pears, lowbush blueberries, lettuce and established pastures.

saved under herbicides and digestive tract

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Glyphosate Based Herbicides and Bee Health: The American Bumble Bee

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Glyphosate Based Herbicides and Bee Health: The American Bumble Bee

(Beyond Pesticide, October 20,2022) Exposure to environmentally relevant levels of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) weakens bumblebees’ (Bombus Terrestris) ability to distinguish between colors or fine-color discrimination. According to research published in Science of The Total Environment, a lack of fine-color discrimination skills can threaten bumble bee survivability through impact on colony fitness and individual foraging success. 

One to several acute exposures to GBHs, similar to field-realistic perspectives, significantly impairs bumble bees’ ability to discriminate between the ten flower colors. During the learning phase, control and GBH-exposed bees display differences in learning rate. Control bees learning rate increased after two sessions, while GBH-exposed bees’ learning rate dropped to zero. The results find the second group of control bees performed at the same level as the learning session, while the new group of GBH-exposed bees lost all learning from the previous two days. The study also demonstrates GBH does not affect bumble bees’ ability to discriminate between odors or two spectrally different colors (i.e., yellow, and blue in the experiment)

filed under terrestrial invertebrates and glyphosate

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Chemical Alterations in the Body from Glyphosate-Based Herbicide During Perinatal Exposure Induces Chronic Liver Injury

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Chemical Alterations in the Body from Glyphosate-Based Herbicide During Perinatal Exposure Induces Chronic Liver Injury

(Beyond Pesticides, October 13, 2022) Offspring’s exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) preceding and proceeding birth (perinatal) induces liver damage. A study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology demonstrates the role excess iron in the body from GBH exposure plays in liver toxicity via an increased uptake of calcium and oxidative stress

To access how GBH exposure impacts offspring, researchers exposed pregnant Wistar rats to relevant doses of glyphosate in drinking water during the perinatal period, day five of gestation day until day 15 postpartum. During this period, GBH exposure increased calcium influx and iron accumulation in the offspring’s liver, resulting in oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Therefore, the study concludes, “The GBH-induced oxidative stress in rat liver is associated with iron accumulation and may induce early epigenetic changes that could lead to adverse outcomes later in life. … 

SNAP Comment: A rat's average gestation time is 21 to 23 days.

filed under liver, glyphosate, and children

Monday, October 31, 2022

Pesticides in Sediment Contribute to Secondary Source of Chemical Pollution in Aquatic Environments

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Pesticides in Sediment Contribute to Secondary Source of Chemical Pollution in Aquatic Environments

(Beyond Pesticides, October 4, 2022) A study published in Environmental Pollution finds pyrethroid insecticides contribute to a secondary source of contamination in water resources. Various pyrethroids, including bifenthrin, are detectable in urban catch basins (storm drains) that collect runoff water before draining into the open environment. Overall, the study finds that 98 percent of water samples contained detectable levels of pyrethroids.    However, during time frames when pesticide inputs decrease, all pyrethroid residues remain suspended in catch water basin soils, contributing to a secondary source of aquatic ecosystem contamination.

Pyrethroids are hydrophobic (do not mix with water) and accumulate in soils/sediments in aquatic environments. Soils/sediments can have anaerobic conditions lacking oxygen and slowing the degradation rate of pyrethroids, prolonging their persistence in the ecosystem. Thus, high levels of pyrethroid contamination impair invertebrate communities within sediments. 

SNAP Comment: There are 2 bifenthrin and hundreds of other pyrethroids registered products in Canada. They are also the last main class of insecticides registered for home use,  I suspect the problem is the same here, except we haven't looked. 14 bifenthrin products are currently registed in the US.

filed under pyrethrins and aquatic organisms

Monday, October 31, 2022

Une réelle évaluation scientifique des pesticides commercialisés s’impose

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Une réelle évaluation scientifique des pesticides commercialisés s’impose (Louise Vandelac, Marie-Hélène Bacon, Thibault Rhen, Pascal Priori et Lise Parent, Le Devoir, 29 June 2022)

 Discusses the PMRA's attempt to increase allowable residual levels of glyphosate in foods and the subsequent Health Canada public consultation on pesticide evaluation. So far, the consultations were on minor points without indicating a real desire to review the basis of evaluation, which is currently to evaluate only active ingredients one by one, and not formulations, For instance, we know that glyphosate formulations can be up to 1000 times more toxic than glyphosate itself and that several formulations contain heavy metals, even occasionally arsenic, and POEAs banned in Europe since 2016.

One has to file a public information request to get sales information for individual pesticides. Documents about sales of pesticides related to Parkinson's arrived heavily redacted and illegible.

While a court decision forced Health Canada to make clinical data on drugs available, registration studies for pesticides are still secret and unavailable.

filed under LegislatioRegulatory/Canada

Monday, October 31, 2022

Despite EPA Safety Assurances, Alarming Levels of PFAS Found in Commonly Used Pesticides

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Despite EPA Safety Assurances, Alarming Levels of PFAS Found in Commonly Used Pesticides

(Beyond Pesticides, October 6, 2022) A new study finds alarmingly high levels of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) “forever chemicals” in commonly used pesticides, calling into question assurances from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that contamination is limited to storage containers. For some pesticides, PFAS levels are nearly one billion times higher than the EPA’s recently updated Health Advisory for the PFAS chemical PFOS.

Although the brand names of the pesticides tested were not provided, of the ten products, active ingredients of those found to contain PFAS include: abamectin, novaluron, mineral (petroleum) oil, imidacloprid, spiromesifen, and malathion. Those without PFAS detection include products with the active ingredients Beauveria bassiana, pyridalyl, spinosad, and spinetoram/sulfoxaflor.

At the same time as EPA released results on fluorinated containers, the agency announced it is eliminating a set of 12 inert ingredients that could be considered PFAS.

 SNAP Comment: I have not yet checked if these formulants/inerts are curently used in Canada.

filed under formulants/contaminants

Monday, October 31, 2022

Environmental Whistle Blower Fights Back. -Media Release

Long-time forestry technology college instructor, Rod Cumberland, puts industry-boosting employer on the defensive for firing.

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Environmental Whistle Blower Fights BackMonday, October 31, 2022

Exposure to Widely Used Bug Sprays Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis

the latest pesticide-induced disease associated with pyrethroids

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Exposure to Widely Used Bug Sprays Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Beyond Pesticides, October 5, 2022) Exposure to widely used synthetic pyrethroids, present in many mosquito adulticides and household insecticides like RAID, is associated with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to research published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research. This is the latest pesticide-induced disease associated with this dangerous class of chemicals.

Results generally find that higher levels of 3-PBA are associated with a rate o 23%.icrease in fRA. 23%. One of the most significant associations between urinary metabolites and RA is for individuals aged 40 to 59, who have an 82% increased risk of developing the disease.

Synthetic pyrethroids are one of the most frequently detected chemicals in Americans’ bodies. Prior NHANES data shows that 78% of adults and 79% of children have some level of 3-PBA in their urine.(a degradation byproduct).

filed under pyrethrins and inflammation

Monday, October 31, 2022

Pesticide residues in food

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Pesticide residues in food   (WHO,15 September 2022)

Key facts

  • Some of the older, less costly pesticides can remain for years in soil and water. Many of these chemicals have been banned from agricultural use in developed countries, but they are still used in many developing countries.
  • Pesticides play a significant role in food production. They protect or increase yields and may increase the number of times each year a crop can be grown on the same land. This is particularly important in countries that face food shortages.
  • To protect food consumers from the adverse effects of pesticides WHO reviews evidence and develops internationally-accepted maximum residue limits.
  • Pesticides are used to protect crops against insects, weeds, fungi and other pests.
  • Pesticides are potentially toxic to humans and can have both acute and chronic health effects, depending on the quantity and ways in which a person is exposed.
  • People who face the greatest health risks from exposure to pesticides are those who come into contact with them at work, in their home or garden.

SNAP Ccomments: Apparently, WHO promoted this as a pesticide residue fact sheet. It doesn't do more than state WHO's role. Like mos tthings form the United Nations, in order to get a conensus, statements are usually watered down... Certainly does not give any data on individual residue limits or theri  process to establish them.

Filed under Exposure to Pesticides

Thursday, October 27, 2022

We need more organic farming!

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We need more organic farming!

(Peter Melchett, Soil Association, 23rd March 2017, linked to from The Ecologist

'A new study sets out the huge benefits of organic farming to people and the environment, writes Peter Melchett, including more wildlife, healthier consumers and farm workers, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced soil erosion and increased water retention.' 

filed under Organics

Monday, October 3, 2022

Ingestion of Real-World Pesticide Residues in Grain Threatens Bird Offspring More than Parents

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Ingestion of Real-World Pesticide Residues in Grain Threatens Bird Offspring More than Parents

(Beyond Pesticides, September 8, 2022) A study published in Environmental Pollution finds parental exposure to real-world, sublethal concentrations of pesticide residues on grains is a major contributor to unfavorable offspring development among foraging birds. Parents’ ingestion of grains with conventional pesticide residues, whether from contaminated or pesticide-treated seeds, results in chronic exposure that adversely affects offspring health, even at low doses. 

However, researchers find that ingestion of low pesticide residues in grain has consequences on reproduction and offspring quality without altering mortality. Chicks whose parents consume grains with pesticide residues are more petite in size, lack proper skeletal growth, and have lower red blood cell counts with increasing body mass index as a trade-off.

filed under birds and mixture effects

Monday, October 3, 2022

Trouble for Bambi: Neonic Levels in Wild Deer Spiking in Minnesota Raise Contamination Concerns

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Trouble for Bambi: Neonic Levels in Wild Deer Spiking in Minnesota Raise Contamination Concerns

(Beyond Pesticides, September 7, 2022) Neonicotinoid (neonic) insecticides are causing widespread contamination within deer populations in Minnesota, with recent data showing significant increases over sampling that took place just two years earlier. 

Results of the 2019 sampling showed ubiquitous contamination of deer spleens throughout the state. Of 799 deer spleens analyzed that year, 61% of them contained neonics. The 2021 results focus in on the southwest area of the state, where there is more farming and forestland. Of the 496 samples tested in that area, 94% of samples analyzed find neonics... Not only did prevalence of the chemicals increase, so did concentration. The research conducted on neonics and deer in South Dakota determined that a body burden of neonics over .33 parts per billion represents a risk threshold for adverse effects. At this level, exposed fawns in laboratory experiments died... But the latest (Minnesota) findings show 64% of neonic detections above this level.'

SNAP Comment: I haven't heard of anyone checking for this in Saskatchewan. Certainly, almost all canola seeds are treated and likely more crops.

filed under neonicotinoids and wildlife/mammals

Monday, October 3, 2022

With Global Disease Rates Rising, Do Pesticides Take Some of the Blame? Science Says, “Yes.

With Global Disease Rates Rising, Do Pesticides Take Some of the Blame? Science Says Yes

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With Global Disease Rates Rising, Do Pesticides Take Some of the Blame? Science Says Yes

(Beyond Pesticides, September 15, 2022) A review published in Scientific African finds pesticide exposure contributes to the increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tanzania, reflecting implications for global health. There are four main NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and endocrine-disrupting diseases like diabetes.

From 2017 to 2018, the authors observed an increase in pesticide imports, up to 4.5 million liters, and the registration of 1,114 pesticides. Ecological evaluations demonstrate the pervasiveness of pesticide residues in food, water, and soil resources, identifying intolerable contamination levels. Moreover, residents of Tanzania lack proper awareness of the harms of pesticide exposure among the population. Regardless of existing pesticide regulations in Tanzania, mismanagement of pesticides has led to higher exposure. 

Moreover, WHO estimates NCD death rates to increase by 17 percent in the next decade, significantly surpassing deaths from communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional diseases combined.

filed under health/overview

Sunday, September 25, 2022

EPA confirms PFAS can leach from shipping containers into food, other products

contamination found far higher than the US updated drinking water health advisory level; includes Canadian guidelines

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EPA confirms PFAS can leach from shipping containers into food, other products   (By Shannon Kelleher, The New Lede, 12 September 2022)

Toxic chemicals knowns as PFAS leach from the walls of shipping containers into the products they contain, potentially contaminating food, pesticides, and other products transported all over the world, according to study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA analysis found that 8 types of PFAS compounds leached into water and methanol samples stored in fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers after just one day.

The EPA said the analysis provided “a clear indication” of the migration of PFAS from container walls to the liquid solutions in the container. The agency said the amount of PFAS leached into the solutions generally increased with time during the agency’s 20-week testing period.

The levels of contamination the EPA found were far higher than the updated drinking water health advisory level of about 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt) that EPA recently set for PFOA, one of the PFAS chemicals identified in the barrels.'   see also EPA Confirms PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Leach into Pesticides from Storage Containers (Beyond Pesticides, September 14, 2022)

SNAP Comments: Canadian Water guidelines for PFAs (June 2019)  'Treatment options for PFAS: PFAS can be removed by treating well water: using either an activated carbon filter installed at the tap or where the water enters the house; or using a reverse osmosis system installed at the drinking water tap. Reverse osmosis systems should only be installed at the tap, as the treated water may cause corrosion to the plumbing and cause other contaminants, like heavy metals, to leach into the water.'

filed under body burden

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Court smacks USDA for lack of transparency in GMO labeling

useful to Canadians

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Court smacks USDA for lack of transparency in GMO labeling ( Carey Gilla, the NewLede, 14 Sept. 2022)

SNAP Comment: When one looks at how many products on Canadian shelves come from the US, this is useful to us. 

'Though the law provides for “a mandatory uniform national standard for disclosure of information to consumers,”  the USDA did not adhere to that standard in crafting rules for how the law would be implemented, the court found.

The court said the law specifically requires that a electronic or digital link be accompanied by “on-package language” indicating that the link provides access to food information, along with a telephone number that provides access to the bioengineering disclosure.'

filed under gmo/labeling

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Pesticides plague Californians of color, new study shows

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Pesticides plague Californians of color, new study shows ( Shannon Kelleher, The New Lede, 15 Sept. 2022)

'Ventura County (California) is known for its year-round production of roughly $2 billion worth of fruits and vegetables that feed people throughout the US and more than 70 other countries. Strawberries are the top crop, but workers also produce peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, avocados, and more.

The study found that 17.1 million pounds of pesticides, or an average of 5.7 million pounds per year, were sprayed in Ventura County from 2016 to 2018. The pesticides used included more than 60 types known to be carcinogenic and 74 types linked to endocrine disruption. Another 85 pesticides used in the county were linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Notably, the study found that township sections where people of color were the majority had not just the most pesticide use, but also the most toxic pesticide use. More than half of the population in these areas was Latino or Hispanic. In contrast, areas that were relatively free of pesticides were overwhelmingly white communities.

“The strongest association we have seen between pesticide exposure during pregnancy and effects on children’s brains are with cognition, so like IQ and attention, ADHD,” said Gunier. “We have also looked at respiratory health, like asthma and lung function. For that, we actually see stronger associations with exposure during their childhood.”

As Harari began researching risk factors for advanced thyroid cancer at UCLA, she noticed that a lot of her referrals were coming from Bakersfield in Kern County– one of the top agricultural counties in the U.S. In a recent case-control study using thyroid cancer cases from the California Cancer Registry, Harari and colleagues found that 10 of the 29 pesticides they analyzed were associated with thyroid cancer.'

filed under exposure to pesticides, cancer/ links, respiratory, nervous system, human rights

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Water Testing Offense: the Provinced Asked for It

Water Testing Offense: the Provinced Asked for It (Russell Wangersky, Regina Leader Post, 2 September 2022)

Environment and Climate Change scientist took water samples ner Pense and were confronted for being on private property and considered criminal trespassers. They were taking water samples to monitor for  pesticides. The Saskatchewan government was a stakeholder at a meeting where 'all stakeholders expressed support for strenghteming PMRA's information base for pesticide decisions through enhanced water monitoring and pesticide-use information." so should have know about and supported it rather than angry tweets and a letter of complaint to the federal minister. see also Trevor Herriot, Al Birchard: The Sask. government is fanning unfounded fears over water testing

filed under Water/Pesticides in SK water

Thursday, September 22, 2022

The Monsanto Papers Corruption of Science and Grievous Harm to Public Health

New book by Seralini on a David and Goliath battle for truth

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The Monsanto Papers
Corruption of Science and Grievous Harm to Public Health

Part of Children’s Health Defense
By Gilles-Éric Seralini and Jérôme Douzelet

'A David and Goliath battle for truth

A specialist in GM foods and pesticides, the biologist Gilles-Éric Seralini has studied their toxicity and effects on people's health for many years. In September 2012, for the first time in a major scientific journal (Food and Chemical Toxicology), he published a study showing the effect on the liver and kidneys of two of Monsanto's flagship products: Roundup weedkiller and the GM foods created to absorb it. Images from the study of tumor-ridden rats fed with GM foods and Roundup went viral. The study was a PR disaster for Monsanto.
 
The multinational soon bounced back and did everything in its power to cover up the study—leaning on the publishers to retract the findings. Monsanto began a series of smear campaigns to discredit Seralini and fellow researchers and intimidate their supporters, while pumping out their own collection of fake research findings and testimonies. These practices were met with huge suspicion, but there was no concrete evidence until, in 2017, Monsanto was ordered to publish tens of thousands of confidential documents in a class-action lawsuit presented by thousands of individuals afflicted with serious illnesses from their use of Roundup. The "Monsanto Papers" that were produced subsequently proved the company’s cynical attempts at a cover-up as well as its fraudulent practices.
 
Gilles-Éric Seralini and Jérôme Douzelet delved into the documents and discovered how, in the pursuit of its own short term economic interests, Monsanto used sophisticated methods of deceit to bypass legislation devised to protect millions of people. Seralini and Douzelet discovered how Monsanto managed to provide phony assessments to conceal the poisons its products contain, thus deceiving the public authorities and the scientific and medical communities.'

filed under industry shenanigans and resources/health

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Acute Kidney Failure Higher Among Farmers: High-Middle-Low Income Countries Suffer Disparities

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Acute Kidney Failure Higher Among Farmers: High-Middle-Low Income Countries Suffer Disparities

(Beyond Pesticides, August 11, 2022) A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health finds that Brazilian agricultural workers are more likely to die from acute kidney failure (AKF) than other acute illnesses. Among the agricultural workers, the prevalence of AKF is higher for individuals at younger ages, who are female, and located in regions south (with increased chemical use), particularly rural areas. 

filed under kidney

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Toxic Pesticide Residues on Over Half of U.S. Food, 1 in 10 Samples Violate Legal Limits, Says FDA

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Toxic Pesticide Residues on Over Half of U.S. Food, 1 in 10 Samples Violate Legal Limits, Says FDA

(Beyond Pesticides, August 16, 2022) Over half of all food samples tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) contain the residues of at least one pesticide, and one in ten samples have levels that violate legal limits established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These findings, published by FDA this month in its 2020 Pesticide Residue Monitoring Report, are simply par for the course for government regulators, as FDA indicates the 2020 results “were consistent with recent years.” 

Of the 316 domestic food samples, 59.2% contained the residue of at least one pesticide, and 3.2% were in violation of EPA pesticide tolerances. Import samples totaled 1,762, of which over 50% contained at least one pesticide residue, and 11.6% were in violation. In general, samples of food imported to the U.S. from other countries appeared to pose a greater risk of containing pesticide residue. Countries documenting the highest number of import violations included Mexico, India, and Pakistan.

filed under food

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Study first to link weed killer Roundup to convulsions in animals

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Study first to link weed killer Roundup to convulsions in animals   (Florida Atlantic University, 23 August, 2022)

'Results, published in Scientific Reports, showed that glyphosate and Roundup increased seizure-like behavior in soil-dwelling roundworms and provides significant evidence that glyphosate targets GABA-A receptors. These communication points are essential for locomotion and are heavily involved in regulating sleep and mood in humans. What truly sets this research apart is that it was done at significantly less levels than recommended by the EPA and those used in past studies.
"The concentration listed for best results on the Roundup Super Concentrate label is 0.98 percent glyphosate, which is about 5 tablespoons of Roundup in 1 gallon of water," said Naraine. "A significant finding from our study reveals that just 0.002 percent glyphosate, a difference of about 300 times less herbicide than the lowest concentration recommended for consumer use, had concerning effects on the nervous system."
"As of now, there is no information for how exposure to glyphosate and Roundup may affect humans diagnosed with epilepsy or other seizure disorders," said Dawson-Scully. "Our study indicates that there is significant disruption in locomotion and should prompt further vertebrate studies."'   see also New Evidence Shows Roundup Damages the Nervous System  (Beyond Pesticides, August 30, 2022) 

filed under glyphosate, terrestrial invertebrates and low dose effects 

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Contribute to Liver Injury, including Toxic PFAS and Pesticides

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Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Contribute to Liver Injury, including Toxic PFAS and Pesticides

(Beyond Pesticides, August 12, 2022) Gestational (during pregnancy) exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among others, may increase pediatric (child) liver injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk, according to a study published in Environmental Health.

The study examined the effect of three organochlorine pesticides, four organophosphate pesticides, five polychlorinated biphenyls, two polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), three phenols, four parabens, ten phthalates, five PFAS, and nine metals on the liver.  The results confirm that all EDCs increase the odds of liver injury or liver cell apoptosis, except phthalates and phenols, due to high molecular weight.

filed under endocrine disruption and liver disease

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Parents’ Exposure to Pesticides Indicative of Childhood Cancer Risk among Offspring

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Parents’ Exposure to Pesticides Indicative of Childhood Cancer Risk among Offspring

(Beyond Pesticides, August 18, 2022) A study published in Environmental Research suggests occupational (work-related) exposure to pesticides among nonpregnant women and men may increase childhood cancer risk for offspring

Although work-related maternal and paternal exposure to pesticides does not have an increased association with childhood cancer risk overall, exposure indicates a 42 percent higher risk of lymphoma (primarily Hodgkin lymphoma) and a 30 percent increased risk of solid non-CNS tumors in children. Additionally, paternal pesticide exposure can indicate a 15 percent risk for myeloid leukemia. The researchers detect that even low levels of pesticide exposure may lead to a higher risk of childhood cancers.

filed under children and cancer/links

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Glyphosate Weed Killer Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier, Linked to Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

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Glyphosate Weed Killer Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier, Linked to Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

(Beyond Pesticides, August 4, 2022) An Arizona State University (ASU) study. 'The results confirm that glyphosate infiltrates brain tissue, elevating TNFα levels and soluble Aβ, causing cell death among exposed cortical neurons. The novel one-step glyphosate extraction method provides the first evidence of dose-dependent glyphosate accumulation in the brain. Moreover, the extraction method finds a small amount of AMPA in brain tissue, indicating glyphosate is also breaking down in the body. Therefore, glyphosate exposure has implications for neurodegenerative diseases like AD, resulting from elevated protein levels and expression.'

filed under glyphosate and nervous system effects

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Scientific Literature Review Again Connects Pesticides and Male Fertility Problems

organochlorines (OCs), organophosphates (OPs), pyrethroids

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Scientific Literature Review Again Connects Pesticides and Male Fertility Problems

(Beyond Pesticides, August 3, 2022) A systematic review of scientific studies on pesticides and fertility finds exposure associated with lower semen quality, DNA fragmentation, and chromosomal abnormalities. Published in the journal Andrology, the review is yet another warning from a long string of researchers sounding the alarm over the connection between global fertility and toxic chemical exposure.

Organochlorines (OCs), organophosphates (OPs), pyrethroids were all linked to effects. Beyond these three classes, scientists did find evidence of negative associations with carbamate class insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, but the low number of studies does not allow for extensive analysis. Mixtures of various pesticides are cited as having similar effects to the three main pesticide classes investigated though firm results were difficult to specify due to lack of complete information. In general, occupationally exposed workers are most at risk, with chronic exposure being associated with greater sperm defects.

filed under exposure and reproductive health

Saturday, August 27, 2022

“Inert” Pesticide Ingredients and Failure to Regulate Raise Dangers for All U.S. Residents

APNOHO has high hormone disrupting activity and quantities used in Canada are unknown

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“Inert” Pesticide Ingredients and Failure to Regulate Raise Dangers for All U.S. Residents

(Beyond Pesticides, August 9, 2022) The most widely used pesticide chemicals in the United States are not listed on product labels, yet pose widespread environmental and public health hazards, according to commentary published this month in Environmental Health Perspectives by two veteran researchers. At issue are adjuvants and so-called “inert” (or “other”) ingredients, chemicals that are added to formulated pesticide products, but do not undergo the same safety reviews as the active ingredient in pesticide products. 

Researchers first draw a distinction between adjuvant products and inert ingredients in pesticide products. Adjuvants are materials specifically designed to improve the performance of a pesticide spray and are sold separately from formulated pesticide products. Adjuvants are “tank mixed” with a pesticide prior its application. Inert ingredients are any ingredient within a formulated pesticide product that is not designed to prevent, destroy, or repel a pest.

Researchers subsequently zeroed in on the most used material, the adjuvant α-(p-nonylphenyl)-ω-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene) (APNOHO). Over 10 million acres of agricultural land in California is sprayed with APNOHO each year. An analysis in the commentary finds that the little data EPA has produced on APNOHO indicates its hormone disrupting activity is more potent than the active pesticide ingredients and known endocrine disruptors methoxychlor and vinclozolin.

SNAP comment: In Canada, inert ingredients are called formulants. California identifies three CAS numbers for APNOHO: 127087-87-0, 26027-38-3, and 9016-45-9 . All three are  listed in list 2 (Potentially Toxic Formulants with a High Priority for Testing) in the 2021 Canadian list of formulants. It appears that they do not have to be listed on labels. As most formulatns are secret, who knows how much is used in Canada. I never checked if there is a separate lsit of adjuvants. 

filed under formulants/US and endocrine disruption

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Two Common-Use Organophosphate Pesticides in Drinking Water Put Nearly Everyone at Cancer Risk

malathion and diazinon

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Two Common-Use Organophosphate Pesticides in Drinking Water Put Nearly Everyone at Cancer Risk

(Beyond Pesticides, July 28, 2022) A report published in Chemosphere finds organophosphate (OP) insecticides readily contaminate drinking water resources, threatening human, animal, and ecological health. OPs have a wide range of biological uses—from insecticides to flame retardants—that make these chemicals ubiquitous, significantly contributing to ecosystem contamination.

The study finds water resource sites with a lower pH (more acidic) and near agricultural areas tend to contain higher concentrations of OP residues. Moreover, the concentration of OPs in water resources differ during the seasons, with spring and winter concentrations much higher than summer or fall. Regarding carcinogenicity, malathion has a high cancer risk in all scenarios with concentrations above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepted limit of 1.0E-6, while diazinon has a high cancer risk in all scenarios, but low age population (e.g., children)

SNAP Comment: There are still 13 malathion and  5 diazinon formulations still registered with the PMRA on 26 August 2022

Filed under malathion and organophosphates

Thursday, August 4, 2022

UK overrules scientific advice by lifting ban on bee-harming pesticide

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UK overrules scientific advice by lifting ban on bee-harming pesticide (The Guardian, 1 March 2022)   

Campaigners aghast as emergency exemption on use of thiamethoxam granted due to risk to sugar beet crop.

filed under neonicotinoids

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Four Out of Five People in U.S. Contaminated with Glyphosate

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Four Out of Five People in U.S. Contaminated with Glyphosate

(Beyond Pesticides, July 12, 2022) More than four out of five U.S. children and adults over the age of six have detectable levels of glyphosate in their bodies, according to data recently published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A total of 2,310 urine samples retained from studies conducted in 2013-2014 were analyzed by NHANES researchers for the presence of glyphosate. Participants included both children and adults above age six. Out of these samples, 1,885 (81.6%) contain glyphosate at or above the detection limit. 

filed under body burdens and glyphosate

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Pesticides Exacerbate the Threats of Biodiversity Collapse and the Climate Emergency

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Pesticides Exacerbate the Threats of Biodiversity Collapse and the Climate Emergency

(Beyond Pesticides, July 7, 2022) A review article published in the International Journal on Environmental Sciences highlights how pervasive pesticide exposure and climate change threaten global species biodiversity.

filled under Wildlife section/overview

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

France Enacts Sweeping Restrictions on Pesticide Use in Public and Private Landscaped Areas

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France Enacts Sweeping Restrictions on Pesticide Use in Public and Private Landscaped Areas

(Beyond Pesticides, July 13, 2022) A new law in France bans the use of lawn and landscape pesticides in both public and private areas frequently used by the public. The law, which came into effect at the beginning of this month, applies throughout the country and extends the scope of a previous decree that restricted pesticide use on green spaces in public areas. 

The article includes a 'laundry list of sensitive sites where pesticide use can unnecessarily harm individuals or the wider public:'

filed under bylaws/international

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Norwalk, Connecticut Passes Ordinance Embracing Organic Land Management

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Norwalk, Connecticut Passes Ordinance Embracing Organic Land Management

(Beyond Pesticides, July 6, 2022) Norwalk, Connecticut last week passed an ambitious ordinance (see page 121) banning toxic pesticides and implementing pesticide-free management on all public spaces throughout the city.    If a situation arises where a city department wants to use a pesticide not specified in the land management plan, the ordinance establishes an interdepartmental pest management team to evaluate exemption requests.   Local public golf courses are exempt from pesticide restrictions if they commit to following the Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States. Both public golf courses and city land managers must deliver monthly reports to the Norwalk Common Council regarding pesticide use during the preceding month

While many advocates wanted the Council to go further and extend the pesticide ban to private property, the Common Council is prohibited from doing so due to anti-democratic provisions in Connecticut state law known as pesticide preemption.

filed under bylaw/ USA

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

EU Bans Pesticides in Parks, Playgrounds, and Playing Fields; Fails to Set Organic Transition Goals in Ag

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EU Bans Pesticides in Parks, Playgrounds, and Playing Fields; Fails to Set Organic Transition Goals in Ag

(Beyond Pesticides, July 1, 2022) The European Commission (EC) introduced on June 22 new rules that ban all pesticides in “public parks or gardens, playgrounds, recreation or sports grounds, public paths, as well as ecologically sensitive areas.” In agriculture, the policy adopts strategies for achieving the pesticide use- and risk-reduction goals of its Farm to Fork initiative.

" In order to protect human health and the environment, the use of plant protection products in sensitive areas and within 3 metres of such areas, should therefore be prohibited. Derogations from the prohibition should only be allowed under certain conditions and on a case by-case basis.”

SNAP Comment: 3 meters is a very small buffer...

filed under bylaws/international

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Unnecessary and avoidable threat: Calls to keep cosmetic pesticide ban in place

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'Unnecessary and avoidable threat': Calls to keep cosmetic pesticide ban in place (Manitoba, CTV news June 28, 2022)

Over 30 health and environmental organizations are calling on the province to keep the cosmetic pesticide ban in place.    The bill is set to come to a vote in the Legislature this fall.

filed under bylaws/provincial/ Manitoba

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Common Fungicide Again Linked to Parkinson’s Disease with Molecular Disruption

Maneb

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Common Fungicide Again Linked to Parkinson’s Disease with Molecular Disruption

(Beyond Pesticides, June 30, 2022) A study by Zhongnan University and Shandong University in China finds that the broad-spectrum fungicide maneb increases Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk and development through alterations in protein and metabolite pathways, resulting in neurotoxicity. 

Even more concerning is that some personal protection equipment (PPE) may not adequately protect workers from chemical exposure during application. However, nonoccupational (residential) pesticide exposure, such as proximity to pesticide-treated areas, also presents a risk for PD development.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Pesticides Linked to Adult and Childhood Cancer in Western U.S., with Incidence Varying by County

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Pesticides Linked to Adult and Childhood Cancer in Western U.S., with Incidence Varying by County

(Beyond Pesticides, June 28, 2022)   For the first study, researchers took the top 25 most used pesticides identified by EPA estimates, and cross-referenced them with USGS data to determine the amount of each pesticide used by state and county. These data were then modeled against NCI county-level cancer incidence.  At the state level, an association is found between the total amount of all pesticides evaluated and both overall and pediatric cancer incidence. Delving deeper into specific pesticide types, a strong connection is found between the amount of fumigants applied in each state and the rate of pediatric cancers. Specifically, the fumigant pesticide metam sodium has a strong connection between its higher use and total cancer rate.

2nd study: The same 25 pesticides as the first study were reviewed, but researchers also included other environmental toxins like heavy metals, and nitrate/nitrites. These data are consolidated into an Environmental Burden Index (EBI), and overall environmental contamination within each county is subsequently deemed as either low, medium, or high on the EBI. Idaho counties with high scores on the EBI have higher rates of childhood cancer. As the study further notes, “The variables predominantly contributing to the environmental burden index were pesticides.” Like the first study, a model created by the researchers using these available data was able to accurately predict pediatric cancer incidence currently occurring in Idaho counties.

filed under cancer and children

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Neonic Nation: Is Widespread Pesticide Use Connected To Grassland Bird Declines?

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Neonic Nation: Is Widespread Pesticide Use Connected To Grassland Bird Declines?

(By Scott Weidensaul, Summer 2022 issue of Living Bird magazine, June 24, 2022)

good review of effect of DDT and other insecticides on birds with updated data on effects of neonics on birds. Also touches of regulations in Europe and North America and Quebec's novel approach to reducing seed treatment. 

filed under neonicotinoids and birds

Saturday, July 2, 2022

New report: Corporate influence at FAO

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New report: Corporate influence at FAO (PANNA, 6 June 2022)

'Corporations are gaining increasing influence at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), at the expense of states, small scale food producers, Indigenous Peoples and civil society. But far from resisting this corporate capture, the FAO appears to be actively embracing it. The corporate takeover of UN institutions like the FAO threatens the democratic governance of our food systems. 

A new report published June 7, Corporate Capture of FAO: Industry's Deepening Influence on Global Food Governance, exposes the extent of FAO’s engagement with the corporate sector and its negative impact on global decision-making at a time of worsening food crises.'

filed under industry shenanigans/regulatory and legal and food

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Submission to Health Canada’s “targeted review” of pesticide regulation by the Centre for Health, Science and Law

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Submission to Health Canada’s “targeted review” of pesticide regulation (Centre for Health, Science and Law, 30 June 2022)

'I am concerned that the limited scope of the consultation reflects a failure of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, acting on your behalf, to address what appears to be a regulatory capture by the companies that they are mandated to regulate or, most charitably, a coincidentally strong impulse toward:

• approving pesticides by multiple techniques that are biased in favour of chemical companies and against studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals;

• systematically forgiving regulatory violations by large companies;

• concealing from public scrutiny records held in scientific evaluation packages; and

• parsing-out information in a manner that reflects a tendency to surveil health and environmental protection advocates rather than proactively disclosing records.'

Thursday, June 30, 2022

DOJ Continues Pesticide Crackdown, with Millions in Fines for Illegal Claims of Protection from Covid

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DOJ Continues Pesticide Crackdown, with Millions in Fines for Illegal Claims of Protection from Covid

(Beyond Pesticides, June 15, 2022) 'The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is cracking down on companies and individuals that took advantage of Americans desire for antimicrobial products that would work against coronavirus during the height of the Covid pandemic.'  Many examples given.

SNAP Comment: antimicrobials are registered as pesticides in the US and Canada. Illegal sales of unregistered products likely occurred in Canada as well.

filed under Legal/litigation

Thursday, June 30, 2022

U.S. Attorneys Bust Pesticide Smuggling Operation, but Online Purchasing Continues

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U.S. Attorneys Bust Pesticide Smuggling Operation, but Online Purchasing Continues

(Beyond Pesticides, June 14, 2022) The ringleader of a pesticide smuggling operation conducted across the United States border with Mexico has been sentenced to eight months in prison by a U.S. District Court Judge. According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, ... pesticide products banned in the US that pose hazards to pollinators and cancer risks to humans. “In exchange for ill-begotten profits, this cavalier smuggling operation was more than willing to risk the public’s health and the honeybee industry, which is critical to pollinating our food supply,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.  A quick search for the two pesticide products in question brings up webpages, including well-known sites like Etsy.com, where the same illegal pesticides cited in this case are currently being sold to U.S. consumers.

Bovitraz and Taktic are acaricide/miticides that contain high concentrations of the active insecticide ingredient amitraz. While their pesticide products containing amitraz registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they are at a roughly 3% concentration, whereas the illegal products have a 12.5% concentration.

SNAP Comment: I don't know how or if this applies to Canada. There are 2 registered amitraz pesticides in Canada, the technical and one product in stips to be inserted in bee hives at 3.3% concentration. 

filed under Legal/litigation

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Farmed Salmon Just as Toxic to Human Health as Junk Food

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Farmed Salmon Just as Toxic to Human Health as Junk Food

(Beyond Pesticides, June 16, 2022) 'Farmed salmon serves as an inferior food source, accumulating more toxic chemicals in fatty tissue with fewer healthy nutrient properties based on a study from the University of Bergen, Norway and Alternative Medicine Review. '   'the issue of toxic chemical contamination in fish dates back decades' including from 'dioxin (a by-product of pesticide manufacturing), and ethoxyquin (a pesticide preservative in fish feed). The aquaculture industry (e.g., farmed seafood/fish) repeatedly faces sustainability issues, failing to adhere to environmental regulations and threatening marine health. Extensive use of pesticides in local marine ecosystems has induced coastal habitat loss and increased genetic and health risks to wild marine populations. Moreover, insecticides used to kill salmon parasites (e.g., fish lice) has led to widespread disease persistence and pest resistance. Marine species biodiversity is rapidly declining due to overfishing, global warming, pathogens, and pollution.'

'Food analysis results find the consumption of farmed salmon fillets contributes to higher rates of metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. These farmed salmon also contain levels of toxins, including PCBs and dioxin, that are five times higher than levels in other tested foods.'

filed under food and  diabetes/obesity

 
 

 

Thursday, June 30, 2022

U.S. EPA ordered to reassess glyphosate s impact on health, environment

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U.S. EPA ordered to reassess glyphosate's impact on health, environment

(Jonathan Stempel, Reuters, June 17, 2022)

'The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was ordered by a federal appeals court on Friday to take a fresh look at whether glyphosate, the active ingredient in Bayer AG's Roundup weed killer, poses unreasonable risks to humans and the environment.

In a 3-0 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with several environmental, farmworker and food-safety advocacy groups that the EPA did not adequately consider whether glyphosate causes cancer and threatens endangered species.

...She also faulted aspects of the agency's approval process."

also see Supreme Court Permits Large Jury Verdicts on Roundup, Appeals Court Finds EPA Registration Unlawful  (Beyond Pesticides, June 22, 2022) 

filed under glyphosate and Legislation-regulatory/USA

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Forest Management Plans Online- Ontario

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Forest Management Plans Online (Ontario Natural Resources)

filed under forestry

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Civil society and Indigenous Peoples’ appeal to the FAO Council to rescind the FAO partnership agreement with CropLife International

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Civil society and Indigenous Peoples’ appeal to the FAO Council to rescind the FAO partnership agreement with CropLife International 

Ahead of the FAO Council’s 170th session that began on June 13, PAN submitted to members of the Council a letter co-sponsored by 10 other global networks on behalf of 430 organizations from 69 countries, urging Member States to take immediate action in the Council session and rescind the agency’s partnership with CropLife International.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Non-Toxic Ways to Deal with Weeds in the Lawn and Garden

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Non-Toxic Ways to Deal with Weeds in the Lawn and Garden (Toxic-free Future)

generally good article includes sections on moss, invasives and mulching. I would like to add the use of infrared or steam weeders for hard and gravel surfaces, sources of which are presented in Resources. alternatives/weeding and also on this page.

filed under weeds

Monday, June 13, 2022

Cockroaches Show Increasing Resistance to Sugar-Laden Baits

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Cockroaches Show Increasing Resistance to Sugar-Laden Baits

(Beyond Pesticides, June 1, 2022) A new evolutionary strategy spreading among German cockroaches is making them more difficult to kill than ever before. In a recent publication in Nature Communications Biology, scientists determined that cockroaches are developing an aversion to sugar baits containing glucose, with impacts that are changing their behavior and altering their mating rituals. “We are constantly in an evolutionary battle with cockroaches,”

filed under resistance/insecticides and alternatives/insects/ additional information

Monday, June 13, 2022

Glyphosate Weed Killer Disrupts Bumblebees’ Nest Temperature, Leading to Colony Failure

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Glyphosate Weed Killer Disrupts Bumblebees’ Nest Temperature, Leading to Colony Failure

(Beyond Pesticides, June 7, 2022) 'Bumblebee colonies exposed to low levels of the weed killer glyphosate are unable to adequately regulate nest temperature, imperiling the next generation of bumblebees and long-term colony growth and survival.' Most pesticide regulatory systems refuse to adequately account for sublethal impacts, including the US EPA and, I suspect, the PMRA.

filed under insects and glyphosate

Monday, June 13, 2022

DDT Still Harming Birds of Prey, 50 Years After Its Ban

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DDT Still Harming Birds of Prey, 50 Years After Its Ban

(Beyond Pesticides, May 31, 2022) 'Fifty years after the banning of DDT, the notorious insecticide is still harming iconic birds of prey along the California coastline. According to research published in Environmental Science and Technology, California condors and marine mammals along California’s coast are contaminated with several dozen different halogenated organic compounds (hazardous, often-chlorinated chemicals) related to DDT, chlordane, and other now-banned legacy chemicals.'

filed under birds

Monday, June 13, 2022

Plastic Coated Pesticides Adding to Soil and Ecosystem Contamination with Microplastics

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Plastic Coated Pesticides Adding to Soil and Ecosystem Contamination with Microplastics

(Beyond Pesticides, June 3, 2022) This article explains the role of plastics in climate change as well as the widespread contamination of everything wiht them. Agricultural uses of plastics go from synthetic mulches to coating pesticides and fertilizers, purportedly to allow for controlled release of chemicals or nutrients. '...agriculture is one of the largest users of products with intentionally added microplastics, and that this use is rising (11% growth is projected for 2018 to 2025). Microplastics remain in the soil long after the encapsulation’s function — slow release — ends, polluting the soil and readily dispersing into the air or water.' These coatings are greenwashed as “planet-safe” choices. The marketing 'involves no mention of “plastics,” but instead, use of less well-known and poorly understood terms, such as “polymer,” in describing the coating material. Further, “plastic encapsulation may be portrayed as a plus for the environment.'

although not technically a pesticide, I have linked this to the soil page. As plastics are well known for adsorbing all kinds of toxins, miroplastics may increase the half-life of applied pesticides. 

 

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Broadscale Devastating Ecological and Health Effects Associated with Herbicide Indaziflam; Ask To Go Organic

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Broadscale Devastating Ecological and Health Effects Associated with Herbicide Indaziflam; Ask To Go Organic

(Beyond Pesticides, May 23, 2022)  'The climate change-induced increase in wildfire frequency and intensity has lent new urgency to efforts to manage so-called “invasive” plants. Unfortunately, the herbicide-based approach favored by many is both counterproductive and hazardous.

Use of the herbicide indaziflam is an example of the ineffectiveness of management based on herbicides. While indaziflam is considered a “selective” herbicide, it actually kills and prevents germination of a wide range of broad-leaved plants and grasses and comes close to being a soil sterilant. The action on seedlings is long-lasting, thus inhibiting the growth and establishment of a resilient plant community that is resistant to invasion. Given its persistence and nonselective action and the extent of the damage it causes to native soil seed banks and plant biodiversity, indaziflam could contribute to the eventual ecological collapse of ecosystems where it’s applied, similar to the cascading impacts of the systemic insecticides, fipronil and the neonicotinoids on animals.'

 'Indaziflam’s health effects are also significant. The nervous system is the major target for toxicity in mammals.'

SNAP Comment: As of 11 June 2022, there are 7 indaziflam labels registered by the PMRA. Indaziflam was promoted and used for 10 years with an incomplete (“conditional”) registration in the US. It was likely the same in Canada as we still allowed conditional registrations at that time. Several labels are registered for use in orchards and containers.

filed under Indaziflam 

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) control

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Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) control (Edmonton Horticultural Society on Facebook)

My whole yard is surrounded by this awful weed. It is my nemesis....

filed under weeds/natural control of Individual weeds

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Neurotoxic Pesticides Disrupt Gut Function Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Development

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Neurotoxic Pesticides Disrupt Gut Function Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Development

(Beyond Pesticides, May 26, 2022) A study published in The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology finds environmental exposure to neurotoxic pesticides increases Parkinson’s Disease (PD) risk through gastrointestinal (GI) disruption. Research finds exposure to chemical toxicants, like pesticides, can cause neurotoxic effects or exacerbate preexisting chemical damage to the nervous system. Although the mechanism by which pesticides induce disease development remains unclear, this study suggests environmental pesticide exposure disrupts GI cells responsible for supporting the autonomic nervous system. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are GI cells that play a critical role in the functional changes that accompany GI dysfunction, as this dysfunction is one of the earliest symptoms indicating the onset of PD.

filed under digestive tract and nervous system effects/ Parkinson's

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Study Finds Chemical Exposure Increasing among Pregnant Women

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Study Finds Chemical Exposure Increasing among Pregnant Women

(Beyond Pesticides, May 11, 2022) U.S. study. 'Pregnant women are being exposed to increasing amounts of dangerous industrial chemicals, according to research published this week in Environmental Science and Technology. The chemicals in question include pesticides, plastics, and parabens, as well as ‘replacement chemicals’ for substances like phthalates and bisphenols that have gained notoriety for risks to public health.

Of the 103 chemicals reviewed, over 80% is detected in at least one woman enrolled in the research. One third of the compounds is found in over 50% of women. In particular, the study finds that many women have levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in their urine...a range of data over the last decade has pointed to concerning impacts on human development from prenatal exposure. Peer-reviewed studies have linked these exposures to autism like symptoms, birth defects in the heart, and birth defects in the brain, per a review by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Body burden of these hazardous chemicals are disproportionate between women of different races and backgrounds. Higher exposure amounts is seen in non-white women, those with less education, and pregnant women who are single. Researchers also note that Latinas encountered higher levels of parabens, bisphenols, and phthalates... These data line up with recent research showing that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities are exposed to pesticides at disproportionately higher rates than other communities. '

filed under exposure

Saturday, June 4, 2022

CDC Study: Pesticide Use Does Not Reduce Risk of Lyme, Other Tick-Borne Disease

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CDC Study: Pesticide Use Does Not Reduce Risk of Lyme, Other Tick-Borne Disease

(Beyond Pesticides, April 26, 2022) 'Using pesticides to reduce the number of ticks in residential areas does not translate to lower rates of tick-borne disease in humans.' This finding is the culmination of (over a decade of) research overseen by scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Neither direct pesticide applications to individual household lawns or a broader, neighborhood-wide implementation of control measures played a role in reducing tick-borne disease.

The number of ticks collected in neighborhoods was reduced by 53% after using TCS (bait boxes for carrier rodents), but reductions from Met52 ( fungus) were not found to be statistically significant. The number of ticks reported on white-footed mice was also reduced by roughly half due to TCS boxes, but Met52 again showed no statistical reduction. The number of ticks found on pets was not reduced to a statistically significant level, but incidence of disease was half of what it was in prior years for both TCS and Met52 applied neighborhoods. (based on paraticipant reporting) For humans, however, no statistical reduction in tick encounters was experienced, nor was there any reduction in the number of reported tick-borne diseases during the study period.

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Mother s Exposure to Pesticides during Pregnancy Results in Sleep-Related Problems among Daughters

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Mother’s Exposure to Pesticides during Pregnancy Results in Sleep-Related Problems among Daughters

(Beyond Pesticides, April 20, 2022)  'Levels of inadequate sleep patterns are rising among children and adolescents. Reports find variability in sleep duration results in higher rates of depression, anxiety, and fatigue among juveniles. Since sleep is an important factor in normal brain development, disturbance in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or too little, can result in long-term associations between sleep and the brain’s white matter integrity (responsible for age-dependent cognitive function).  The results demonstrate that exposure to chlorpyrifos, but not pyrethroids, during pregnancy have greater associations with longer sleep duration and changes in sleep patterns among offspring.

filed under endocrine disruption

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Study of Dramatic Flying Insect Declines Reinforces Earlier Findings

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Study of Dramatic Flying Insect Declines Reinforces Earlier Findings

UK study. (Beyond Pesticides, May 17, 2022)  'Between 2004 and 2021, 58.5% fewer flying insects were squashed onto car license plates. “The results from the Bugs Matter study should shock and concern us all,” says Paul Hadaway, conservation director at Kent Wildlife Trust, which conducted the study alongside UK organization Buglife. “We are seeing declines in insects which reflect the enormous threats and loss of wildlife more broadly across the Country.   These results line up with the latest data on the insect apocalypse from peer-reviewed scientific literature. '

filed under insects

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Pesticide Concentration through Metamorphosis Contaminates Birds and Bats

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Pesticide Concentration through Metamorphosis Contaminates Birds and Bats

(Beyond Pesticides, April 27, 2022) Pesticides can accumulate in aquatic fly larvae, be retained through metamorphosis, and represent a source of chronic pesticide exposure to birds and bats, according to research published in Environmental Science and Technology earlier this month. ...researchers aimed their study at present use fungicides and herbicides that have not yet undergone similar scrutiny. This includes seven fungicides—azoxystrobin, boscalid, cyflufenamid, fluopyram, tebuconazole, pyrimethanil, and trifloxystrobin—and two herbicides—napropamide and propyzamide. The study notes that formulated end use products, rather than technical grade active ingredients, were used in order to best mimic real world exposure conditions.

Exposed midge larvae were then allowed to metamorphosize into adults. After this process, researchers again tested the level of pesticide concentrated in the flies. Adult flies in the medium and high exposure levels all retained pesticides in their bodies, and five of the nine pesticides (trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, boscalid, propyzamide, azoxystrobin) were also found in adult midges exposed to the lowest treatment levels.

It was determined that roughly 10-94 parts per billion of pesticide per year is moving from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems as a result of this process. ...the researchers find that bats and birds feeding on contaminated midges could result in low to moderate chronic pesticide exposure.

SNAP Comment: There are currently 46 pesticides containing azoxystrobin registered in Canada, 19 containing boscalid, 0 with cyflufenamid, 18 with fluopyram, 57with tebuconazole, 6 with pyrimethanil, 28 with trifloxystrobin, 8 with napropamide and 4 with propyzamide. This research is relevant to Canada. Swallows and especially shorebirds depend on aquatic insects.

filed under aquatic organismsbirds, mammals

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Ocean Health: First Reports of Salmon Lice Resistance in the Pacific Ocean Threatens Local Ecosystems

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Ocean Health: First Reports of Salmon Lice Resistance in the Pacific Ocean Threatens Local Ecosystems

(Beyond Pesticides, April 12, 2022) 'A recent study published in Scientific Reports warns that parasitic salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) in Pacific Ocean open-net fish farming operations are becoming resistant to emamectin benzoate (EMB), an active ingredient used to control salmon lice population in North America, both in the U.S. and British Columbia, Canada. Previously, researchers believed parasitic salmon lice only had high rates of chemical resistance in the Atlantic region due to the mixing of farmed and wild salmon. However, Pacific salmon lice are exhibiting similar rates of decreased sensitivity to EMB from various sources, including a decrease in the wild Pacific salmon population, overuse of chemical treatments, and reliance on single chemical treatments.'

filed under resistance

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Environmental Pesticide Exposure Alters Gut Microbes, Increasing Urgency for Organic Transition

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Environmental Pesticide Exposure Alters Gut Microbes, Increasing Urgency for Organic Transition

UK study. (Beyond Pesticides, May 12, 2022) A report published in Environmental Health finds that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of pesticides can alter gut microbial communities, as demonstrated through fecal samples. Over 300 environmental contaminants and their byproducts, including pesticides, are chemicals commonly present in human blood and urine samples.     The report finds all urine samples contain pyrethroid or organophosphate insecticide residues, with 53 percent of urine samples containing glyphosate. Individuals who consume more  fruits and vegetables grown with chemical-intensive practices have higher concentrations of organophosphate residues. Although urinary metabolite (pesticide breakdown product) excretion lacks a correlation with gut microbial changes, there are 34 associations between the concentration of pesticide residues and metabolite residues in fecal matter and gut health.

SNAP comment: There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market. Only a few have been tested for presence in humans.

filed under digestive tract/human microbiome

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Glyphosate Breakdown Product, Associated with Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage Among Children

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Glyphosate Breakdown Product, Associated with Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage Among Children

(Beyond Pesticides, April 28, 2022) 'A study in Environmental Research finds that glyphosate’s primary metabolite (breakdown product), aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), induces DNA damage through oxidative stress among subpopulations of primary school children. The results find that AMPA, but not glyphosate, has a positive association with DNA damage via oxidation. Moreover, the metabolites of pyrethroids (3-PBA) and chlorpyrifos (TCPy) are also associated with DNA damage and oxidative stress. Lipid damage from oxidative stress did not occur among these pesticides. However, the results suggest parental education levels influence urinary pyrethroid levels. ...Glyphosate degrades relatively quickly in the environment, between five and 20 days, leaving behind AMPA, which is highly persistent with a half-life of 151 days.

SNAP Comment: As illustrated here, AMPA, the byproduct of glyphosate, persists a lot longer in the environment. This is not a unique case. Not only can degradation byproducts persisit  longer, they can also be more toxic than the original product. Current registration regulations generally overlook the effects of byporducts.

filed under children /glyphosate

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Conventional Apples Found to Be Coated in Fungicides and Drug-Resistant Fungi

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Conventional Apples Found to Be Coated in Fungicides and Drug-Resistant Fungi

(Beyond Pesticides, April 6, 2022) Conventional apples sold at market and sprayed with synthetic fungicides may not only contain drug-resistant fungi, but function as a transmission reservoir and route to spread these dangerous pathogens, finds research published in mBio late last month by a team of researchers from India and Canada. As reports of fungal resistance rise, particularly in hospitals and among the immunocompromised, there is an urgent need to understand and address the root causes of these emerging disease threats. 

Overall, eight (13%) of apples had the presence of C. auris on its surface. All of the isolates were found in stored fruits purchased at market, while those purchased directly from the orchards contained no pathogenic fungi. Fungicides were found to be present on every apple that also contained C. auris, and included a range of different classes with varying modes of action. This included triazole fungicides (such as tebuconazole, difenoconazole, sulfentrazone, and flusilazole), methyl benzimidazole carbamates (such as carbendazim and thiabendazole), phthalimides like captan, pyridinecarboxamides like boscalid, aromatic amines like diphenylamine, the phenolpyrrole fludoxonil, and quinone outside inhibitors (like kresoxim-methyl and pyraclostrobin).   However, the presence of fungicides was generally evenly distributed between those found with and without drug-resistant pathogenic C. auris. Fresh fruit from neither conventional nor organic orchards contained C. auris, but only organic apples were free of any fungicide residue, while conventional apples were contaminated with two or three fungicides on each fruit. Further isolation and culture of C. auris apples found them to have reduced sensitivity to commonly found triazole fungicides.

filed under food and immune/ infection

Friday, June 3, 2022

BACKGROUNDER: Busting the myths about cosmetic pesticide bans

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BACKGROUNDER: Busting the myths about cosmetic pesticide bans (EcoJustice)  worth repeating every year at this time when cosmetic pesticide use starts in earnest.

Well-researched 10 point backgrounder. Full of links.

filed under  bylaws/general, lawn/turf and safety

Monday, May 23, 2022

Bill Banning Aerial Herbicides on Forestland Vetoed by Mill

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill to ban aerial spraying of glyphosate in forests

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Bill Banning Aerial Herbicides on Forestland Vetoed by Mill  (Associated Press, June 26, 2021)

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill to ban aerial spraying of glyphosate in forestland. Democratic Senate President Troy Jackson spent 17 years fighting the spraying, and finally got the bill passed in 2021, only to have her veto it!

SNAP Comment: a larger buffer zone to protect water will do little to control fires or provide habitat.

filed under Legislation/Regulatory/USA

Saturday, May 21, 2022

How the ghouls of Monsanto influenced science and the media

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How the ghouls of Monsanto influenced science and the media   (GM Watch, 04 May 2022)

Last week, the award-winning investigative journalist Paul Thacker gave a presentation at Carleton University on Monsanto’s ghostwriting to influence both science and media, detailing Monsanto’s ghostwriting campaign which kicked off in 2015 to attack the World Health Organization’s cancer agency, after it found glyphosate was a “probable carcinogen.”   A year after Monsanto began plotting their 2015 attack on IARC, the journal Critical Reviews in Toxicology (CRT) published a special issue titled “An Independent Review of the Carcinogenic Potential of Glyphosate.” But emails show Monsanto directed and edited the studies... In 2015, Monsanto secretly recruited scientists from Harvard, Cornell University and three other schools to write about the benefits of GMO technology. In the case of Harvard’s Calestous Juma, Monsanto suggested the topic and provided a summary and headline.' and a lot more with links.

filed under glyphosate and industry shenanigans/propaganda

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Why Did Health Canada Change Their Mind About Neonics?

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Why Did Health Canada Change Their Mind About Neonics?   (Canadian Wildlife Federation blog, May 18, 2022) 

In 2018, the PMRA recommended that ALL agricultural, ornamental and greenhouse uses be cancelled and phased out over a three to five year period.  This is why, in spring 2021, we were shocked when Health Canada did a complete about-face. Suddenly, these pesticides that were so hazardous to aquatic life that their use needed to be terminated, were deemed “largely acceptable with some mitigation.”    The agricultural chemical industry provided the PMRA with additional data on contamination levels in the prairies, and these data were used by the federal government to base their reversal decision. While that is not in and of itself a bad thing, these data are now considered to be proprietary by the government. 

filed under neonicotinoids and Legislation/Regulatory/Canada
 

Sunday, May 15, 2022

CN spraying schedule for 2022

across Canada

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CN spraying schedule for 2022 for all of Canada. A few 'No spray" but  most are pending right now.

filed under Railroads

Monday, April 25, 2022

Giving Up Glyphosate

The forestry industry’s prized pesticide may be harming people and nature. Is it time to stop spraying?

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Giving Up Glyphosate
The forestry industry’s prized pesticide may be harming people and nature. Is it time to stop spraying? (by Moira Donovan, Maisonneuve, 26 January 2022)

History of glyphosate spraying if forestry, environmental and health effects and the politics. Also  the trial methods that could reduce herbicide use at several points along the process. Ontario and New Brunswick stories. 

SNAP Comment: I would like to address the following quote: 'Because mammals and vertebrates don’t have the cellular pathway affected by glyphosate, some scientists and industry players have said that this makes the chemical relatively safe for people.' Whie mammals and people don't have this cellular pathway, the bacteria living within us do and are affected. 

filed under forestry/herbicide

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Neonics under fire

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Neonics under fire (Jennifer Sass, PANNA blog 21 April 2022)

Maine prohibited use of most neonics on residential landscapes, and New Jersey passed a law that prohibits outdoor, non-agricultural neonic uses. Great links to other posts regarding pollinators and human and animal health including:  Neonic Pesticides: Potential Risks to Brain and Sperm  (Jennifer Sass, PANNA,January 06, 2021) where CDC biomonitoring indicates over 50% of the US population is regularly exposed to neonics as evidenced by their breakdown productsi urine. It does a good job of exploring the various routs of exposure, except one: neonics in flea collars for pets (Seresto brand in the US) and monthly liquid treatments for fleas and lice for pets which form most of the imidacloprid labels in Canada.

filed under bylaws/USA

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Neonic Pesticides: Potential Risks to Brain and Sperm

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Neonic Pesticides: Potential Risks to Brain and Sperm  (Jennifer Sass, PANNA,January 06, 2021) where CDC biomonitoring indicates over 50% of the US population is regularly exposed to neonics as evidenced by their breakdown productsi urine. Neonics have been linked to birth defects, developmental neurotoxicity, reduced thyroid function, sensorimotor deficits in rats, and poor sperm qhalityand quantity.

SNAP Comment:   the article does a good job of exploring the various routes of exposure, except one: neonics in flea collars for pets (Seresto brand in the US) and monthly liquid treatments for fleas and lice for pets which form most of the imidacloprid labels in Canada.

filed under children/neonics and neonicotinoids

Friday, April 22, 2022

Former Monsanto CEO files for protective order in Roundup case

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Former Monsanto CEO files for protective order in Roundup case
Former top exec Hugh Grant does not want to testify in upcoming trial

(by Carey Gillam, Unspun (blog))

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Regina City Council voted in favour of a report on a cosmetic bylaw

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Regina City Council voted in favour of a report on a cosmetic bylaw (email from Councillor Cheryl Stadnychyk)
The motion to have a report on a cosmetic pesticide ban passed 7-3. Voting against were Mayor Masters, Terina Shaw and Lori Bresciani. 
The report will come back to Council in early 2023. In the meantime, there will be public consultation so it will be important to continue to raise issues and do public awareness. 
The mayor spoke against and repeatedly brought up that Manitoba is walking back some aspects of its ban. She also believes that the public doesn’t support a ban and that we are spending $70,000 for a report that won’t go anywhere. 
will link the Leader Post article if one comes out.
 

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Canfor â€pest management’ consultation triggers stakeholders’ concerns about glyphosate herbicide

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Canfor ‘pest management’ consultation triggers stakeholders’ concerns about glyphosate herbicide  (BC story. Rules about replanted forests likely vary between provinces)

Canfor served notice to forest stakeholders on its five-year ‘pest management plan’ for harvested forest blocks around the Prince George region, but wouldn’t reveal which specific tracts of Crown land are being considered for glyphosate herbicide aer
(Fran Yanor - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (The Rocky Mountain Goat) Nov 13, 2020)

'"Forestry management stipulates replanted forests must be 95 per cent conifer. Timber companies are responsible for replanted trees until they reach the ‘free-to-grow’ stage, when they can survive on their own. To speed growth of new conifers, glyphosate solutions are sprayed from planes across massive cut blocks to wipe out deciduous competition.
“It's not based on (ecological) science,” said Steidle. “It's based on the science of agriculture, an agricultural mindset to maximize yields.”

Mike Morris, Liberal MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, has lived, hunted, fished and trapped in the Prince George Timber Supply Area (TSA) for upwards of 50 years. During that time, he’s seen dramatic effects from logging and spraying.
Forests in the northern interior naturally have a range of deciduous trees and plants, said Morris. “Glyphosate kills that and virtually eliminates all wildlife populations within the area being: sprayed,” said Morris. “It's pretty tragic.”'

SNAP Comment: Glyphosate mostly indirectly eliminates wildlife populations by eliminating their food sources.

filed under forestry/herbicide and glyphosate

Friday, April 15, 2022

It is Time to Show Mosquitoes a Little Love - Here is Why

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It's Time to Show Mosquitoes a Little Love - Here's Why  (EcoWest News, 12 April 2022)

Interestng article on the ecological role of mosquitoes and the effects , interesting factss and the effects of the mosquito control Bti (natural) and methoprene on wildlife. 'Other approaches are worth investigating in order to maintain mosquitoes as pollinators and important elements in the food chain. Fernand suggests a campaign to get rid of stagnant water as this is where mosquitoes thrive. Dan Peach suggests “targeting specific mosquito species or making the mosquitoes themselves immune to pathogens and thus unable to spread them would protect humans while keeping the ecosystem function of mosquitoes intact”. SNAP Ccomment: During the West NIle virus period, there were education programs for getting rid of stagnant water. It is still a cornersstone of mosquito control even if we are forgetting to talk about it. 

filed under mosquito control

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Opinion: No reasonable scenario to allow cosmetic pesticides in city

I would be hard pressed to imagine a scenario in which pesticides would be protecting our health or our safety

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Opinion: No reasonable scenario to allow cosmetic pesticides in city

I would be hard pressed to imagine a scenario in which pesticides would be protecting our health or our safety, writes Tanya Dahms,   (Leader Post Letter to the editor by Tanya Dahms, Apr 13, 2022)  This powerful etter dispels misinformation about pesticides. 

Here is a document link in case it disappears from the Leader Post web site. Tanya Dahms letter to editor of the Regina Leader Post

filed under bylaws/provincial/ Saskatchewan/Regina and Presentations and publications/media

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Regina city council discusses possible regulation, ban of cosmetic pesticide use

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Regina city council discusses possible regulation, ban of cosmetic pesticide use

"I do not use pesticides in my own garden, in clients’ gardens, or in community-based projects. Pesticides create more harm than good, and simply are not needed."     (Jennifer Ackerman, Regina Leader Post,  City Hall, Mar 16, 2022) 

'Among them was Paule Hjertaas, president and spokesperson of the Saskatchewan Network for Alternatives to Pesticides (SNAP).

Hjertaas founded SNAP after suffering what she called “severe” health issues related to pesticide exposure. It is this health condition that inspired her to become an advocate for alternatives to pesticides.

“Councillor Stadnichuk’s motion is striking in that it does not question the effects of pesticides on wildlife, pets, people and the environment. It states them as facts,” she said to council. “It also builds on Regina’s current commitment to environmental sustainability, health, and well-being through its to Official Community Plan.”

filed under bylaws/provincial/ Saskatchewan/Regina and Presentations and publications/ media

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Health Implications: Common Herbicide 2,4-D Threatens Most Species Health, Especially Vertebrates

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Health Implications: Common Herbicide 2,4-D Threatens Most Species Health, Especially Vertebrates

While 2,4-D use had often been replaced by glyphosate, it is making a comeback in formulation with glyphosate for GMO crops. It is also apparently still used in B.C.forestry.

(Beyond Pesticides, April 5, 2022) 'A meta-analysis by the Federal University of Technology – Paraná finds the herbicide 2,4-D causes indiscriminate harm, increasing the mortality rate among exposed animals. The severity of chemical exposure relies on species sensitivity, exposure rate, and lifecycle stage. However, commercial formulations of 2,4-D, commonly used in the environment, prompt a higher species mortality rate than technical (pure) 2,4-D alone. Like many other common herbicides such as glyphosate, 2,4-D has global uses that allow the chemical to accumulate in the environment, including soils, waterways, and tissues of non-target species.  ... vertebrates experience higher mortality rates from 2,4-D exposure, with fish and birds presenting the highest mortality rate. '

(2.4-D) is a possible human carcinogen (e.g., soft tissue sarcoma and nonHodgkin lymphoma), can cause neurotoxicities like the development of ALS and loss of smell, kidney/liver damage, and endocrine disruption. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds babies born near areas of high 2,4-D use, such as farming communities, have higher rates of birth abnormalities, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and developmental defects. 

filed under 2,4-D and formulants/inerts//toxicity

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Montreal becomes first Canadian jurisdiction to ban glyphosate

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Montreal becomes first Canadian jurisdiction to ban glyphosate  (Marian Scott, Montreal Gazette, August 23, 2021)

filed under Bylaw/provincial/Quebec

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Conventional Apples Found to Be Coated in Fungicides and Drug-Resistant Fungi

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Conventional Apples Found to Be Coated in Fungicides and Drug-Resistant Fungi

(Beyond Pesticides, April 6, 2022) 'Conventional apples sold at market and sprayed with synthetic fungicides may not only contain drug-resistant fungi, but function as a transmission reservoir and route to spread these dangerous pathogens.' The fungus was only found on stored apples, not ones purchased from the orchard.

'Fungicides were found to be present on every apple that also contained C. auris, and included a range of different classes with varying modes of action. This included triazole fungicides (such as tebuconazole, difenoconazole, sulfentrazone, and flusilazole), methyl benzimidazole carbamates (such as carbendazim and thiabendazole), phthalimides like captan, pyridinecarboxamides like boscalid, aromatic amines like diphenylamine, the phenolpyrrole fludoxonil, and quinone outside inhibitors (like kresoxim-methyl and pyraclostrobin).. However, the presence of fungicides was generally evenly distributed between those found with and without drug-resistant pathogenic C. auris. Fresh fruit from neither conventional nor organic orchards contained C. auris, but only organic apples were free of any fungicide residue, while conventional apples were contaminated with two or three fungicides on each fruit. Further isolation and culture of C. auris apples found them to have reduced sensitivity to commonly found triazole fungicides.

In the context of the present study, the source of a pathogen resistant fungal outbreak in a hospital could conceivably be caused by the fruit served in the hospital cafeteria sourced through a global supply chain.'

filed under resistance/fungicide

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Documents show concerns about instructor s views on glyphosate ahead of firing

Cumberland s criticisms triggered emails between Natural Resources, college director, J.D. Irving

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Documents show concerns about instructor's views on glyphosate ahead of firing

Cumberland's criticisms triggered emails between Natural Resources, college director, J.D. Irving  (Jacques Poitras, CBC News, Apr 03, 2022)

The college denies Cumberland was fired for his views on glyphosate, though his dismissal letter says his "undermining" of the conference was one of the reasons.

Cumberland's wrongful dismissal lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial April 4.

His lawyer Paul Champ obtained the 169 pages of documents and emails through the federal Access to Information Act and gave them to CBC News.

Cumberland emailed Prof. Van Lantz, the dean of forestry at the University of New Brunswick, on Jan. 16, 2019.

He complained that the upcoming scientific conference hosted by UNB on vegetation management science was presenting "but one perspective" on glyphosate and should have relied on "a broader range of so-called 'experts.'"

He accused the forest industry of hiring "select scientists" to provide their opinions on the herbicide while ignoring "independent research" and "critical analysis" on the issue.

Cumberland sent a similar note to all faculty and students at the college, who had been invited to the seminar.

Updates from Rob Cumberland: 'The entire trial was cancelled with the rationale that the judge tested positive for Covid 19.  The trial was re-scheduled for August 29-Sept 4, and Sept 12-14.' ( personal communication) Len Ritter (a well-known pesticide industry shill) was one of the presenters at the conference.

SNAP Comment: I understand that it is not unusual for industry groups to offer to sponsor a conference.The issue is usually that they get complete control of the agenda and choose ALL the speakers. I have seen it documented in the field of health as well (diabetes, multiple chemical sensitivities). This is not good for science as in only presents what seems like a 'unified view' while suppressing other evidence.

filed under: Industry Shenanigans/Defamation and Legal/Litigation/Canada

Thursday, April 7, 2022

2022 Clean Fifteen and Dirty dozen List

pesticides in food

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Clean Fifteen™
EWG's 2022 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™

also link to download EWG'S 2022 DIRTY DOZEN™ LIST

filed under food

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Coverup of Dog Deaths at EPA, According to Internal Emails on Seresto Flea and Tick Collars

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Coverup of Dog Deaths at EPA, According to Internal Emails on Seresto Flea and Tick Collars

(Beyond Pesticides, April 1, 2022) According to reporting by E&E’s Greenwire, internal emails at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that career scientists at the agency expressed worry about pesticide-laced pet collars, such as the notorious Seresto flea and tick collars, but that EPA managers “instructed them to avoid documenting those worries in publicly accessible records.” The emails were released pursuant to a 2021 FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) lawsuit, brought by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), that sought records of internal communications. 

filed under pets and industry shenanigans/regulatory and legal

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Certain Essential Oils Found To Be Highly Effective at Killing Mosquito Larvae and Adults

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Certain Essential Oils Found To Be Highly Effective at Killing Mosquito Larvae and Adults

(Beyond Pesticides, March 24, 2022) A range of essential oils can provide high levels of larvicidal and adulticidal activity against Culex pipiens a widespread N.A.mosquito (also commen in SK) that is known to vector West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis, among other diseases.

In sum, the researchers note, “Camellia sinensis tea plant and F. vulgare fennel were the most potent larvicides whereas V. odorata sweet violet, T. vulgaris garden thyme, An. Graveolens dill and N. sativa fennel flower were the best adulticides and they could be used for integrated mosquito control… EOs could serve as suitable alternatives to synthetic insecticides because they are relatively safe, available, and biodegradable.”

filed under mosquito control

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Outcry grows as B.C. government agency plans widespread South Coast herbicide spray

targets native hard woods and Indigenous medicines and food in efforts to increase lumber output

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Outcry grows as B.C. government agency plans widespread South Coast herbicide spray

The five-year Pest Management Plan, which covers Squamish to Hope, targets native hard woods and Indigenous medicines and food in efforts to increase lumber output. (by Charlie Carey, North Shore News, 24 march 2022)

'The proposed management plan would come into effect on April 1, 2022, and cover the Chilliwack and Sea to Sky Natural Resources District, including the traditional unceded territories of the Stó:lĹŤ, St’át’imc, Nlaka'pamux, xĘ·mÉ™θkĘ·É™yĚ“É™m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. The proposed plan is for five years, ending in 2027. 

While the notice was printed in the local newspaper in Hope, along with the draft proposal available online, it does not include a map of specified locations where herbicides such as glyphosate, triclopyr (Garlon, Release) and 2,4-D (Formula 40) will be used. 

The management plan highlights cottonwood, red alder, salmonberry, red elderberry, devil’s club, thimbleberry, salal, fireweed, huckleberry and blueberry as plants which will be targeted by the proposal. All of which, Rose said, Indigenous people have used as medicines and food for thousands of years.

“Our rush to get rid of these, so called, competing species is making our forests more vulnerable to wildfire,”'

SNAP Comment: and tht is how you turn a forest into a plantation...

filed under forestry/herbicides, glyphosate, 2,4-D, triclopyr

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Traditionally-Produced Compost Improves Soil, Outperforms Synthetic Chemical Fertilizers

Field study in India

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Traditionally-Produced Compost Improves Soil, Outperforms Synthetic Chemical Fertilizers

(Beyond Pesticides, March 31, 2022) 'Composts produced using traditional ecological knowledge create healthier, more fertile soil than industrial, chemical-based fertilizers, according to the findings of a recent study published in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation.' Field study in India 

'The study notes that traditional soils maintained their advantages over chemically treated throughout the course of the experiment, and even during a drought period in the middle of study period. '

Thursday, April 7, 2022

(German) Cockroaches Exhibit Resistance to Pesticides at 10x Label Application Rates

No evidence was found that cockroaches have developed widespread resistance to boric acid

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(German) Cockroaches Exhibit Resistance to Pesticides at 10x Label Application Rates  (Beyond Pesticides, March 22, 2022) 'The findings underscore the importance of an integrated approach to cockroach management that recognizes and responds to pest ecology, rather than search for an ever-elusive silver bullet.

This never-exposed laboratory strain of roaches were then exposed to varying levels of commonly used bait insecticides, including fipronil, clothianidin, indoxacarb, abamectin, hydramethylnon, and deltamethrin. Researchers determined lethal doses (LD) that killed 50% of the laboratory strain, as well as the dose that killed 95%.

Scientists then exposed the residential strains to commercial products containing the insecticides listed above. ...Scientists then took it a step further and exposed the cockroaches to ten times the LD95. At this rate, upwards of 80% of deltamethrin-exposed roaches still lived, while with fipronil that rate killed off 20-70%. The clothianidin and indoxacarb exposed roaches exhibited a significant negative correlation between survival time after exposure to 10 x LD95 and mortality, while with those exposed to fipronil and hydramethylnon the correlation was insignificant.

Only abamectin exhibits a knockdown that would suggest a level of effectiveness in a cockroach infestation. However, researchers add caution to that finding by referencing a 2019 study that found rapid increases in abamectin resistance in field settings.

In the 2019 study, researchers tested one active ingredient that was not tested in the present study: boric acid. No evidence was found that cockroaches have developed widespread resistance to boric acid, likely to due its mode of action.

SNAP Comment: Resistance is likely similar in Canada in buildings where monthly treatments are used. A PMRA label search indicates 0 registered insecticides with fipronil, and indoxacarb,17 each with deltamethrin and clothianidin, 19 with abamectin, and 2 with hydramethylnon. 22 products containing boric acid were alse registered. (7 April 2022)

filed under resistance/insecticides

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Producers Warned by EPA that PFAS Is Contaminating Pesticides and Food

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Producers Warned by EPA that PFAS Is Contaminating Pesticides and Food

(Beyond Pesticides, March 29, 2022) Plastic storage barrels contaminated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be in violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), according to an open letter released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month. Manufacturers, producers, processors, distributors, users, and those that dispose of fluorinated High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) containers or other similar plastics that form PFAS as a byproduct were notified in the letter of requirements under federal law. 

filed under Formulants/Inerts /Contaminants

Monday, March 28, 2022

Ingredients of and Lung Damage from Mosquito Coils

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Mosquito Coils: Ingredients of, Lung Damage, and references   (by Allan-Shelly Holland, March 19, 2018 , on Facebook) ·

"Not many people know about it, but the damage done to your lungs by one mosquito coil is equivalent to the damage done by 100 cigarettes." Sandeep Salvi, Chest Research Foundation Director
Burning of one mosquito coil would release the same amount of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 mass as burning 75-137 cigarettes; the emission of formaldehyde from burning one coil can be as high as that released from burning 51 cigarettes.
An unhealthy sleep - how safe are mosquito coils?
Category : General Chemicals
Published by : Data Research Analyst, Worldofchemicals.com
Dangerous Chemicals in Mosquito Coils
The annual worldwide consumption of the four major types of residential insecticide products are -- aerosols, mosquito coils, liquid vaporizers, and vaporizing mats.
Mosquito coils are burned indoors and outdoors in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America. Mosquito coils consist of an insecticide/repellant, organic fillers capable of burning with smoldering, binder, and additives such as synergists, dyes, and fungicide.
Mosquito coil ingredients
Pyrethrum
Pyrethrins
Allethrin
Dibutyl hydroxyl toluene (BHT)
Piperonyl butoxide (PBO)
N-(2-ethylhexyl)-bicyclo-(2,2,1)hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (MGK 264)
N,N-Diethyl-Meta-Toluamide (DEET)
N,N-Diethyl-Meta-Toluamide (DEET)

DEET is a registered pesticide. It is the most effective, and best studied, insect repellent currently on the market. This substance has a remarkable safety profile after 40 years of worldwide use. It has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Repellents with DEET are used by an estimated 200 million people worldwide each year.
The most common active ingredients in coils are various pyrethroids, such as allethrin, d-allethrin, pynamin forte and ETOC. Octachlorodipropylether (S-2) is sometimes used as a synergist or active ingredient and use of such coils exposes humans to some level of bis-chloromethyl ether (BCME) which is an extremely potent lung carcinogen. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) does not register S-2 for any use, some imported mosquito coils contain this chemical, but their use is illegal in the United States, moreover in places like India S-2 is not banned.
Other compounds, released during the burning of mosquito coils (aldehydes, formaldehydes, fine and ultrafine particles,benzene, benzoapyrene, benzobfluoranthene, benzokfluoranthene are also classified by the U.S. EPA as probable human carcinogens.
Mosquito coils burn for about 8hr without flame and kill or repel mosquitoes. Although they are recommended for outdoor use, or for use in semi-enclosed patios and porches, coils are often used overnight in sleeping quarters.
As a result peoples are exposed to a chemically complex mosquito-coil smoke containing small particles (< 1 µm), metal fumes, and vapors that may reach the alveolar region of the lung.
Burning of one mosquito coil would release the same amount of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 mass as burning 75-137 cigarettes; the emission of formaldehyde from burning one coil can be as high as that released from burning 51 cigarettes.
To avoid exposure from harmful chemically complex mosquito-coil smoke, usage of natural mosquito repellents is one of the best alternative methods.
Studies have shown that the best natural mosquito repellents usually contain more than just one type of oil.
Essential oils used in natural mosquito repellents
Lemon eucalyptus oil
Geranium oil
Soybean oil
Citronella
Fennel
Thyme
Clove oil
Celery extract
Neem oil
Picaridin

Bite Blocker, a repellent that contains geranium, soybean and coconut oil, can repel mosquitoes for up to 3 1/2 hours, longer than any repellent that contains only geranium oil.
Fennel - A small study by researchers at Seoul National University in Korea found that spray mosquito repellent containing 5 per cent fennel oil was 84 per cent effective after 90 minutes and a repellent cream with 8 per cent fennel oil was 70 per cent effective after 90 minutes.
Thyme - In one study, carvacrol and alpha-terpinene, two compounds derived from the essential oil of thyme, were found to have significantly greater repellency than a commercial N,N-Diethyl-Meta-Toluamide (DEET) repellent. The researchers suggest that a spray made with 2 per cent alpha terpinene is a promising natural mosquito repellent.
Picaridin - Picaridin is an insect and acarid repellent in the piperidine chemical family. Piperidines are structural components of piperine, the plant extract from the genus Piper that is also known as pepper. The chemical name is 1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-ethylpropylester. Picaridin is an odorless synthetic safe mosquito repellent ingredient that has been proven as effective as DEET in studies against mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and chiggers. It is also known as KBR 3023 or Bayrepel.
Reference
1 Robert I. Krieger, Travis M. Dinoff, Xiaofei Zhang, Octachlorodipropyl Ether (S-2) Mosquito Coils Are Inadequately Studied for Residential Use in Asia and Illegal in the United States , Available from - http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/.../info:doi/10.1289/ehp.6177...
FURTHER ARTICLES:

Is a potential health danger smouldering away without us realising?
Environmental health risks and benefits of the use of mosquito coils as malaria prevention and control strategy.

Mosquito coil exposure associated with small cell lung cancer: A report of three cases

Do mosquito coils really work? And are they bad for your health? 

Are mosquito coils making us sick?  

filed under Mosquito control/ mosquito coils


 

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Dicamba Symptomology Community Science Monitoring Report

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Dicamba Symptomology Community Science Monitoring Report  (Dan Scheiman, Ph.D. Bird Conservation Director Audubon Arkansas , November 9, 2020)  13 minutes video. Audubon and volunteers found dicamba poisoning symptoms on native plant in 343 locations across counties in Arkansas including all species in forest reserves, state parks, as well as fields. If a nearby source of dicamba use is not identified, inspectors conclude there is no violation and there is no recourse by the damaged parties, including homeowners. In some counties, all crops not being dicamba resistant were damaged. There may not be much vegetation of any tyoe. that will survive in these areas besides dicamba-resistant crops. Just imagine the effects on birds and the rest of the environment... 

SNAP Comment: Dicamba has now been added to some glyphosate formulations to control glyphosate-resistant weeds. The issue is that dicamba is extremely volatile, and that glyphosate makes it even more so, resulting in widepsread damage to crops, gardens and trees. 

filed under drift/ incidents and dicamba

Thursday, March 24, 2022

New Brunswick Legislative committee calls for more glyphosate restrictions, Greens want full ban

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New Brunswick   Legislative committee calls for more glyphosate restrictions, Greens want full ban   Committee recommends greater spray setbacks, asks N.B. Power to stop using herbicides  (Hadeel Ibrahim, , Nov 03, 2021)  Try as I may, I have been unable to get a link to the original report. 

10. THAT setbacks for aerial spraying be increased from 500 metres to 1 kilometre from dwellings.
11. THAT the government require a spraying setback of 100 metres from protected natural areas.
12. THAT the government require a minimum 100-metre aerial spraying setback from water and wetlands and/or require spray plans that may vary depending on the landscape and the hydrological characteristics of the land.
13. THAT the government ban spraying of pesticides in protected watersheds as designated under the Clean Water Act.
14. THAT the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development request of NB Power that it immediately begin phasing out spraying of pesticides under transmission lines.

filed under forestry/ herbicides used in forestry and glyphosate

Thursday, March 24, 2022

How Can We Stop the Import of Food Produced Using Banned Practices in Europe? A European Regulation to Protect the Environment and our Farmers.

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How Can We Stop the Import of Food Produced Using Banned Practices in Europe? A European Regulation to Protect the Environment and our Farmers.

'In a report published in April 2021, the Veblen Institute, the Nicolas Hulot Foundation, and the beef interprofessional organisation INTERBEV raise the urgent need to reform a European trade policy that not only fails to meet its environmental and public health commitments, but also jeopardises the future of its breeders and farmers by distorting competition. Together, they are defending a European regulation on imports, based on a principle of "mirror measures". A reform to be carried out now for adoption in 2022, during the French Presidency of the European Union.'

SNAP Comment: It is my understanding that Canada would pressure the European Union over gmos and glyphosate residues in commodities. 

filed under Legislation/Regulatory/ Europe

Thursday, March 24, 2022

SNAP comments on PMRI_2021-10, Glyphosate

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Pollinators and Biodiversity

emphasis on neonicotinoids

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Pollinators and Biodiversity panel. 57 minutes video

'This workshop panel was recorded live on June 8th 2021 as part of the Beyond Pesticides Virtual Forum. The panel is moderated by Joyce Kennedy - People & Pollinators Action Network and featuring: Steve Ellis - Old Mill Honey Company Aimee Code - Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and Vera Krischik, PhD - Department of Entomology at the St. Paul, University of Minnesota Pollinators are in unrelenting devastating decline.

But it’s not just pollinators. Research has found dramatic drops in overall insect abundance, leading entomologists to speak of an “insect apocalypse.” Various studies have found reductions of up to a factor 60 over the past 40 years –there were 60 times as many insects in some locations in the 1970s. Research shows that insect abundance has declined more than 75% over the last 27 years. The dramatic drop in insect biomass has led to equally dramatic pronunciations from highly respected scientists and entomologists. “We appear to be making vast tracts of land inhospitable to most forms of life, and are currently on course for ecological Armageddon,” says David Goulson, PhD of Sussex University. “If we lose the insects then everything is going to collapse.” It is clear that dramatic changes are needed.'

filed under insects and neonicotinoids

Monday, March 21, 2022

Pesticide Drift or Chemical Trespass Continue Uncontrolled, Despite Successful Litigation

California case

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Pesticide Drift or Chemical Trespass Continue Uncontrolled, Despite Successful Litigation

(Beyond Pesticides, March 18, 2022) A 2020 lawsuit related to pesticide drift was resolved on March 8, 2022 in San Joaquin (California) Superior Court with the finding that Alpine Helicopter Services, which specializes in pesticide applications for government and tourism entities, had violated pesticide drift laws and endangered public health and safety. The court further found Alpine liable for damage related to its actions, though penalties in the case, brought by California state prosecutors and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), have yet to be determined. The case exposes a handful of the many instances of pesticide drift, also known as “chemical trespass,” that occur every year in the U.S. Prairiesun Organic chemical Trespass Report gives an idea of the process and difficulty to 'prove' damages. (South Dakota)

SNAP Comment: Almost every year, I get calls from people whose property was affected by pesticide drift. Some were in urban settings, others on the farm. Trying to fight these battles in court is difficult and leaves victims exhausted and, generally, To establish damages, one needs to calculate the cost of everything lost or having to be sold at a lower price (i.e. organic versus conventional). This could include veterinary costs for replacement cost for livestock. It has been close to impossible to 'prove'  or cost health effects. 

filed under Pesticide Drift/incidents

Monday, March 21, 2022

Monoculture Rice Production Outperformed by Traditional Techniques that Integrate Aquatic Animals

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Monoculture Rice Production Outperformed by Traditional Techniques that Integrate Aquatic Animals

(Beyond Pesticides, March 15, 2022) Adding animal diversity to rice paddy farms reduces weed pressure, increases food production, and makes fertilizer use more efficient, according to a study published late last month in the journal eLife. ... The researchers used no herbicide in any of the experimental plots, and there is evidence from the diverse plots that no herbicide use would be needed based on the weed pressure alleviated.

Monday, March 21, 2022

EPA Overlooks Glyphosate and Roundup Ingredients’ Cancer, DNA Damage, and Multigenerational Effects

glyphosate

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EPA Overlooks Glyphosate and Roundup Ingredients’ Cancer, DNA Damage, and Multigenerational Effects

(Beyond Pesticides, March 10, 2022) 'Glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) like Roundup® induce DNA damage and alter biological mechanisms (gene regulatory microRNAs miRNAs or miRs) associated with cancer development. According to the study published in Toxicological Sciences, DNA damage mainly occurs through oxidative stress from GBH exposure. Moreover, DNA damage and other biological mechanisms that cause carcinogenicity (cancer) occur at doses assumed “safe” by pesticide regulators such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

These findings show that glyphosate and Roundup score positive in various tests of carcinogenicity... in a living animal (rat) that is accepted as a surrogate for human health effects. In my view, this strengthens the argument that exposure to Roundup herbicides can lead to the type of cancer suffered by the plaintiffs in many of the court cases – non-Hodgkin lymphoma.”

 For the first time, this study demonstrates epigenetic changes in DNA, proteins, and small RNA profiles in the liver of organisms exposed to glyphosate and Roundup formula MON 52276.

filed under glyphosate and cancer

Friday, March 18, 2022

Manitoba s plan to amend cosmetic pesticide legislation receives thumbs-up from associations

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Manitoba's plan to amend cosmetic pesticide legislation receives thumbs-up from associations    Substantial savings for municipalities, says AMM president  (Nathan Liewicki, CBC News, March 14, 2022)

'He says the decision to rely on the Health Canada Pest Management Regulation Agency (PMRA) will protect the health of the province's citizens and its landscapes...The legislation would allow the use of Health Canada-approved cosmetic pesticides in low-risk areas like boulevards, sidewalks, rights-of-way and fairgrounds.  "I do think it's a step back. I think it's a step back for climate change," Naylor said. "I don't think that any Manitobans want more chemicals in our water and in our air."'

Proposed changes to pesticide law could leave lawn care businesses scrambling   (By Danton Unger, CTVNewsWinnipeg.ca Editorial Producer, March 14, 2022) 

SNAP Comments: supporters of pesticide use such as the Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association akways fight pesticide bylaws .Certainly, relying on the PMRA isn't even close to protect the healh of anything. I suspect that all pesticide use on sidewalks, streets, rights-of-way , gravel areas including parking can be easily replaced with steam weeding. More info at weeds. Weeds are best fought with cultural methods of improving soil quality. Manitoba lawn care companies seemingly fail in this regards.

filed under bylaws/provincial under Manitoba

Friday, March 18, 2022

Invasive Species Centre resources

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today I came across the site of the Invasive Species Centre in Sault Sainte-Marie, Ontario. There is mention of chemical control of many species but usually in the form of painting a cut trunk or wicking in small areas. There is extensive information of each species and extensive information of all control methods previously tried including biological. 

Lo and behold, I have been trying to find a source of biological beetle control for Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and found it on their fact sheet

Also info on European buckthorn and several other invasive plants, as well as invasive insects,fish and invertebrates, aquatic plants and pathogens.

filed under alternatives/weeds, insects

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

How I learned to love weeds – and why you should, too

I once fought against the dandelions, nettles and docks that infiltrated my garden. But now I know they are essential, I’m glad I lost the battle

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How I learned to love weeds – and why you should, too

I once fought against the dandelions, nettles and docks that infiltrated my garden. But now I know they are essential, I’m glad I lost the battle  ( Alys Fowler forThe Guardian, 16 march 2022)

A different perspective. British article. All species may not apply here. Also there is a difference between imported noxious weeds and the native species we consider weeds. 
'Of course, weeds need to be managed, but there is another side to them that shouldn’t be overlooked. Many weeds are excellent for the environment because they feed others. Their flowers feed many insects; their leaves feed caterpillars, aphids and other soft-bodied things that in turn are the feed for other insects, birds and mammals. Come autumn, their seed feeds many wild birds. These unwanted plants support all manner of wildlife. There is growing evidence that even the ones considered noxious to agriculture – spear thistle, field thistle, common ragwort, curled dock and broad-leaved dock, which are controlled by the 1959 Weeds Act – are actually very good for nature.'

Monday, March 14, 2022

Study Confirms Children’s Exposure to Mosquito Pesticides Increases Risk of Respiratory Disease

synthetic pyrethroids

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Study Confirms Children’s Exposure to Mosquito Pesticides Increases Risk of Respiratory Disease

(Beyond Pesticides, March 3, 2022) Children’s exposure to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, particularly during the course of mosquito control operations, is associated with increased occurrence of certain respiratory diseases and allergic outcomes, finds research published in the journal Thorax late last month. 

SNAP Comment: Synthetic pyrethroids, especially permethrin and pyrethrin are currently the most commonly used insecticide by consumers (respectively 281 and 335 domestic products) other than the imidacloprid used for fleas and ticks for pets. They are in most insect dusts as well as sprayable products like Raid and flea/tick collars. Pyrethroid poisoning is also the most commonly reported form of poisoning at the U.S.Poison control Center.

filed under Pyrethrins, children, respiratory

Monday, March 14, 2022

Pesticide Literacy 101: Truth & Advertising

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Pesticide Literacy 101: Truth & Advertising (Beyond Pesticides, 2021 annual forum)

55 minute video. Caroline Cox will discuss basic overview of health and environmental effects of pesticides, the underlying pesticide law, and regulatory authority. Sarah Evans, PhD will discuss health effects of toxic chemicals and what individuals can do to protect their own health, as well as how to advocate for healthier policies in their local communities. Melinda Hemmelgarn, MS, RD will discuss media literacy as it applies to pesticide narratives, framing, and messaging. Anyone can subscribe to Beyond Pesticide youtube channel. 

filed under Industry shenaniganshealthchildren

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

SNAP and Nature Regina presentations to Regina City Council on Motion to Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides

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Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Mosquito Resistance to Pesticides Continues to Grow

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Mosquito Resistance to Pesticides Continues to Grow

(Beyond Pesticides, February 24, 2022) Widespread, intensive pesticide use for mosquito control has allowed genetic mutations to persist among mosquito populations, causing subsequent resistance to future chemical exposure. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, two common species of female mosquitoes learned to evade pesticides following non-fatal exposure through smell. More concerning is the survival rate of these pre-exposed mosquitoes, as it is more than double that of unexposed mosquitoes. The study focused on female Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciastus mosquitoes that researchers exposed to a sublethal dose of five pesticide compounds. 

filed under resistance/ insecticides

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Fighting Chemical Trespass

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Fighting Chemical Trespass   (Beyond Pesticides 2021 conference, Mar 5, 2022) Panel discussion, 1 hour video. Practical life examples, difficulties of proving damage. Link to background documents including 

What to Do in a Pesticide Emergency
Dicamba Symptomology Community Science MonitoringReport
NOP Instruction: Responding to Results from Pesticide Testing
Chemical Trespass Report
Dicamba: Drifting Towards Disaster - Presented by Dan Scheiman PhD

filed under Pesticide Drift/incidents

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Canadian Wheat Tests Positive for 3,162 ppb of Carcinogenic Glyphosate Weed Kill

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Canadian Wheat Tests Positive for 3,162 ppb of Carcinogenic Glyphosate Weed Killer  ( Zen Honeycutt, Moms Across Americaa, 16 February 2022) 

'.Samples of wheat bran, whole wheat flour, and unbleached all-purpose flour from a Winnipeg supermarket. (first and second section of results) All were produced from Canadian wheat. The second set of samples (third chart)  are from a research project being done at a farm in Manitoba.

Considering that the CA EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has determined a maximum daily intake level of 1100 ug per day, 2,266 ppb (equivalent to ug), as found in Canadian wheat tilled samples, is comparatively quite alarming. Feeding one’s baby a piece of toast or breakfast cereal with these levels of glyphosate is a disturbing idea, and one likely to lead to chronic health issues.' also tables and discussion of  health effects.'

filed under glyphosate and food.

Friday, March 4, 2022

A Synthesis of Human-related Avian Mortality in Canada

Synthèse des sources de mortalité aviaire d’origine anthropique au Canada

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A Synthesis of Human-related Avian Mortality in Canada
 (Synthèse des sources de mortalité aviaire d’origine anthropique au Canada)
 (Calvert, A. M. et al, Avian Conservation and Ecology, vol 8 no 2, art 11, 2013) This puts bird mortality from pesticides used in agriculture in 6th position with over 1 million birds a year killed. 

filed under Birds

Friday, March 4, 2022

Use of fertilizer and pesticides by Canadians

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Use of fertilizer and pesticides by Canadians (Statistics Canada)

Table with use every 2 years from 2013. In the box under geography, you can get stats per province.

filed under Pesticide use and sales

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Deadly Fungus Resistant to Fungicide Jumps from Farms to People, as Human Pathogen Spreads

Scientists focused their research on Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold that can infect humans and cause aspergillosis.

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Deadly Fungus Resistant to Fungicide Jumps from Farms to People, as Human Pathogen Spreads

(Beyond Pesticides, February 23, 2022) Fungicide use in agriculture is driving the spread of multi-fungicide resistant human pathogens, finds a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Georgia. Scientists focused their research on Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold that can infect humans and cause aspergillosis. Although some have problems with mild sensitivity to the fungus, virulent infections called invasive aspergillosis can occur in immunocompromised individuals and are on the rise. Cases of invasive aspergillosis increased 3% per annum between 2000 and 2013, and roughly 300,000 worldwide are diagnosed each year.

Of 700 A. fumigatus samples collected, nearly 20% (123) displayed some level of resistance to the commonly used azole fungicide tebuconazole. Twelve of the 123 were highly resistant at clinically relevant levels for human health care. No samples taken from organic sites contained resistant fungi.... Sure enough, the azole-resistant strains also displayed resistance to methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) fungicides like carbendazim, and quinone outside inhibitors (Qol) like azoxystrobin. ...“The strains that are from the environment and from people are very closely related to each other,” study co-author Marin T. Brewer, PhD, said.'

filed under resistance and Immune/infection

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Review Provides New Insight into How Pesticide Exposure Disrupts Bee Gut Microbiome

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Review Provides New Insight into How Pesticide Exposure Disrupts Bee Gut Microbiome

(Beyond Pesticides, February 16, 2022) 'Pesticide exposure disturbs the gut microbiome of social bees, leading to a range of alterations that could affect fitness in the wild, finds a major literature review recently published by researchers at the University of Ottawa, Canada.

Studies showed that pesticide use can disturb and shift the abundance of certain microbes in the bee gut microbiome, but rarely are these microbes completely eliminated. In general, researchers found declines in Bifidobacteriales and Lactobacillus bacteria to be the most common shifts observed.

Pesticides induced disturbances primarily in one of two ways – either directly harming microbes, and indirectly harming the host (bee) health and subsequently shifting the microbiome.Researchers cite glyphosate as an example of a pesticide that directly harms the growth of certain gut microbes.

The literature review also found that, regarding the impacts of exposure, the duration of pesticide exposure was more important than the amount of pesticide to which a bee was exposed. '

filed under Bee Die-Off

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Herbicide resistance keeps on rising

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Herbicide resistance keeps on rising
Mother Nature keeps outsmarting the available crop protection products   (Gord Leathers, Manitoba Cooperators, 1 March 2022)

'Increasing the seeding rate did have an impact. In one year, they reduced kochia biomass by 74 per cent. Geddes said the effect of the rotation was almost like adding another effective herbicide mode of action into the tank. They also hit the weed with a slightly different rotation, changing the crop life cycle by using winter wheat instead of spring wheat. Winter wheat is already well established by the time kochia is getting started and it’s harvested before the kochia can set seed. There are also issues with downy brome in Alberta. Both waterhemp and Palmer amaranth have been documented in Manitoba and both are capable of glyphosate resistance.

filed under resistance/ herbicide and alternative/individual weed

Thursday, March 3, 2022

EPA Needs to End the Legacy of Toxic Wood Preservatives Now

reviews status and risks of pentachlorophenol, creosote and arsenical wood preservatives.

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EPA Needs to End the Legacy of Toxic Wood Preservatives Now

reviews status and risks of pentachlorophenol, creosote and arsenical wood preservatives and call for action (US)

(Beyond Pesticides, February 22, 2022) 'Regulation of toxic chemicals must recognize the reality that, “The cocktail of chemical pollution that pervades the planet now threatens the stability of global ecosystems upon which humanity depends,” as stated by The Guardian.'

filed under treated wood

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Cancer rates are higher, closer to golf courses and other sources of carcinogens, in Newfoundland.

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Cancer rates are higher, closer to golf courses and other sources of carcinogens, in Newfoundland.

Additional burden of cancers due to environmental carcinogens in Newfoundland and Labrador: a spatial analysis  (Rahman et al, Environmental Health Review, 13 November 2020)  For ultraviolet rays , arsenic, disinfection by-products , and agricultural chemicals, the RR (95% CI) were 1.5 (1.4–1.6), 1.25 (1.03–1.51), 1.8 (1.67–1.94), and 1.49 (1.3–1.7), respectively. 

 'Agricultural chemicals are heavily used on golf courses, with four to seven times greater than the recommended doses meant for any agricultural farms (Feldman, 2020; Golf ventures, 2019).'

filed under cancer

Thursday, March 3, 2022

An overview of the Alberta Invasive Species Council and their biocontrol release program in Alberta

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An overview of the Alberta Invasive Species Council and their biocontrol release program in Alberta ( PCAP- Prairie Conservation Action Plan-  presentation. March 2, 2022) 54 minute video available on PCAP's you tube channel.

review of what invasive species are and details on weed bio-control programs especially Leafy Spurge. Dalmatian Toadflax, and Knapweeds. Their March 2022 conference will have a speaker presenting on biocontrol of Tansy and Ox-Eye Daisy. 

The Alberta Invasive Species Council have lots of resources including photo fact sheets for all species classified as invasive in Alberta and their biocontrol program. Links to free EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) Pro app  and EDDMapS app (citizen-science-based).from Bugwood Apps in Alberta. Data submitted through the EDDMapS Pro app can be summarized and used to inform future prioritization and management strategies, more effectively utilizing limited resources.

filed under alternatives/weeds

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Plastic Sports Bottles Leach Thousands of Chemicals, including a Common Insect Repellent

DEET and many dishwashing chemicals as well as plastic components

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 Plastic Sports Bottles Leach Thousands of Chemicals, including a Common Insect Repellent   (Beyond Pesticides, February 17, 2022) 

(The insect repellent) 'DEET was confirmed to be present in every plastic bottle tested. Scientists indicate that DEET’s presence is likely a result another chemical with a similar chemical structure to DEET. In particular, the plasticizer material laurolactam is implicated. Either the plasticizer was produced with impurities that mimic DEET, or it was transformed into DEET  in the dishwasher through a chemical reaction with other materials in the plastic bottles.   The scientists opine that the identification of DEET may in fact be the source of ubiquitous DEET detection in the environment. A phenomenon that has long been ascribed to its use as a repellent, the widespread presence of DEET in the natural world by chemical happenstance may be yet another side-effect of a world where chemical pollution has exceeded the safe limits for humanity.

filed under food and water 

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Did Ontario Golf Courses reduce pesticide use with Integrated Pest Management?

the answer is mostly NO

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Did Ontario Golf Courses reduce pesticide use with Integrated Pest Management? (Prevent Cancer Now, November 2020)

'Fast forward 10 years: Prevent Cancer Now asked the Ontario Government and the IPM Council of Canada whether or not pesticide use had decreased on Ontario golf courses. Neither could answer.

As a result Prevent Cancer Now examined reports from 16 higher-end Ontario golf courses to determine whether use of pesticides had declined

Key findings of the study include:

  • overall, use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides increased between 2010 and 2017 (see bar chart above);
  • three fungicides, three herbicides and all insecticides used on the studied Ontario golf courses have been identified as “highly hazardous” by international authorities (e.g., World Health Organization, European Union and US EPA);
  • a small number of courses fared better than others, applying one fifth the amount of pesticides (measured as equivalent hectares treated) compared with high users (see line graph below);

SNAP Comment: For all practical purposes, the answer is mostly NO. Why? Likely because of who the IPM Council or Canada is (industry associations and groups committed to having IPM as standard) and their widely used faulty definition of IPM used. An appropriate definition of IPM prioritizes non-toxic methods first rather than considering chemical pesticides as a same level option.

filed under lawn/turf and IPM

Monday, February 28, 2022

Justice Pesticides is a European group with a lot of information on pesticides from research studies to legal cases.

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Justice Pesticides is a European group with a lot of information on pesticides from research studies to legal cases.

filed under Resource links/International

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Interplay Between Pesticides and Climate Change Has Driven Down Dragonfly Populations

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Interplay Between Pesticides and Climate Change Has Driven Down Dragonfly Populations

(Beyond Pesticides, February 2, 2022) 'Over the last 40 years, dragonfly species have declined in the United States due to an interplay between increasing pesticide use and rising temperatures from climate change, according to a recent study published in Ecological Applications... Review of the data found that out of 104 dragonfly species, each species experienced an average of 30% quadrant loss compared to previously occupied quadrants within the last 40 years. Researchers indicate this is likely an underestimate.

The authors conclude that “climate change interacts with recent, rapid rises in pesticide applications to increase dragonfly and damselfly extinction risks, a clear demonstration that multistressor frameworks are vital for identifying risks related to global change.”'

ffiled under insects

Thursday, February 10, 2022

One in three Americans have detectable levels of toxic weedkiller, study finds

Overall, the amount of 2,4-D applied in agriculture increased 67% between 2012 and 2020

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One in three Americans have detectable levels of toxic weedkiller, study finds  
(Nina Lakhani, The guardian,  9 February 2022)

'Human exposure to 2,4-D has substantially risen despite a multitude of health and environmental concerns. 

As the pesticide grew in popularity among farmers and gardeners, so did evidence of human exposure, rising from a low of 17% in 2001-02 to a high of almost 40% a decade later.

Exposure to high levels of 2,4-D, an ingredient of Agent Orange used against civilians during the Vietnam war, has been linked to cancers including leukemia in children, birth defects and reproductive problems among other health issues... While little is known about the impact of low-level exposure to the herbicide, it does disrupt the endocrine system. Link to the study Environmental Health,

Overall, the amount of 2,4-D applied in agriculture increased 67% between 2012 and 2020, but its use will almost certainly grow sharply over the next decade due to the widespread use of the controversial weedkiller Enlist Duo – a relatively newly approved combo (2,4-D and glyphosate) for genetically modified crops. 

SNAP Comment: In Canada the PMRA currently registers 142 pesticides containing 2,4-D.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Study Adds to Growing Body of Research Linking Common Lung Disease (COPD) to Work-Related Pesticide Exposure

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Study Adds to Growing Body of Research Linking Common Lung Disease (COPD) to Work-Related Pesticide Exposure

(Beyond Pesticides, February 3, 2022) A study published in the journal Thorax finds lifetime occupational (work-related) exposure to pesticides increases incidents of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

filed under respiratory

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Moving Canada off the toxic treadmill of key chemicals laws

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Moving Canada off the toxic treadmill of key chemicals laws
(Prevent Cancer Now, 3 February 3, 2022)

nice article with Canadian content and lots of Canadian links from my friend Meg Sears. Identifies regulations and changes that have to be made to reduce pesticide use and work towards sustainability.

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Impacts of Neonics in New York Water Their Use and Threats to the State’s Aquatic Ecosystems

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Impacts of Neonics in New York Water Their Use and Threats to the State’s Aquatic Ecosystems (Pierre Mineau; Pierre Mineau Consulting)

Impacts of Neonics in New York Water Their Use and Threats to the State’s Aquatic Ecosystems (Pierre Mineau; Pierre Mineau Consulting, probably 2019)     'Neonics now frequently appear in New York surface waters at levels expected to cause significant harm to the state’s aquatic ecosystems...Detected levels of imidacloprid alone in New York streams exceed levels at which deleterious effects on stream ecology were observed in other research. The probability that imidacloprid and other neonics are causing ecosystem-wide damage in New York is very high. Substantial reductions in outdoor neonic use are needed to mitigate further damage... Water sampling for other neonics has been sparse, but given the high runoff potential for clothianidin' (only approved in NY for seed treatment) 'and thiamethoxam (both greater than imidacloprid), and their significant use in New York, regular monitoring for these chemicals is needed. ' SNAP Comments: The article discusses in detail what benchmark values are, how they are established and what they should be. Also extensive list of references.

filed under water

Friday, February 4, 2022

Common Antimicrobial Pesticides Linked to Altered Gut Microbe Function

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Common Antimicrobial Pesticides Linked to Altered Gut Microbe Function

(Beyond Pesticides, January 25, 2022) Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill identifies how triclosan (TCS), an antimicrobial agent used in many household products, impacts the microbial communities in the gut, causing inflammation. According to the study published in Nature Communications, triclosan worsens the effects of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), through the retention of harmful bacteria.   

SNAP Comments: Astounding that no one cosnidered that an antimicrobial pesticide added to commonly used consumer products would have an effect on gut or other bacteria. One has to wonder...' "Health Canada has approved 64 marketed drug products with a DIN that contain triclosan. These are not all hand sanitizers ― some are soaps, hand washes and toothpastes," a Health Canada spokesperson said in an email'. (What happened to triclosan? A lingering legacy of the hyper-hygiene era. Kelly Crowe,CBC, 20 April, 2019)

filed under antibacterials and digestive tract

Friday, February 4, 2022

Increased Accumulation of Disinfectant Chemicals in the Body during the Pandemic Threatens Health, Despite Available Alternatives

zbout quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs or QACs)

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Increased Accumulation of Disinfectant Chemicals in the Body during the Pandemic Threatens Health, Despite Available Alternatives

(Beyond Pesticides, February 1, 2022) A study published in Environmental Science and Technology finds that concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs or QACs) in the human body have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising health and safety concerns. QACs include a variety of chemicals in personal care, pharmaceutical, and medical products used as disinfectants, sanitizers, antimicrobials. However, over the past 70 years, large-scale production and use of these compounds led to accumulation in the environment, including surface water, sediment, and soil. Previously, researchers thought most QACs lack the potential to bioaccumulate,  as the chemicals are highly water-soluble, while dermal and oral absorption rates are low. However, emerging evidence demonstrates that specific QACs bioaccumulate in blood and other body tissues and can cause a range of toxic effects.  The results show 15 out of the 18 QACs are detectable in blood samples, with QAC concentrations significantly higher during the pandemic than prior to it. The main routes of exposure include diet, inhalation, ingestion, or the skin. '

filed under antibacterials and body burdens

Friday, February 4, 2022

Your Garden and Town Landscapes Are the Change that Pollinators Need, Study Finds

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Your Garden and Town Landscapes Are the Change that Pollinators Need, Study Finds

(Beyond Pesticides, January 28, 2022)  British study. 'small urban gardens and greenspaces are actually some of the most pollinator-friendly resources. The study notes that that several factors influence how well these resources provide food for pollinators, most important among which are pollinator-friendly management practices.' Article includes lots of resources to create such oases. SNAP Comment: I would like to add that buying bedding plants which have not previously been treated with neonicotinoids is also important so ask, and buy from sources that provide neonic-free plants.

filed under insects

Thursday, February 3, 2022

SAFE FOOD MATTERS WINS GLYPHOSATE COURT CASE!

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SAFE FOOD MATTERS WINS GLYPHOSATE COURT CASE! (Safe food Matters, 2 February 2022)    The Federal Court of Appeal has issued a decision in favour of Safe Food Matters in a court case concerning the pesticide glyphosate.

The decision remits the matter back to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for reconsideration, and offers strong guidance to PMRA to avoid “the endless merry-go-round” of court applications and reconsiderations.  In 2017, Safe Food Matters (and others) filed objections to PMRA’s decision RVD2017-01 to re-register glyphosate in Canada, and PMRA rejected the objections in 2019 with a form letter and dismissive reasons. Safe Food Matters filed in Federal Court, lost, then appealed. 

The win means a review panel could still be struck to review RVD2017-01 and recommend that it be confirmed, reversed or varied.   Link to the Appeals court decision in link.

filed uder glyphosate and legal/.litigation/Canada

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Topic: Dr. Pierre Mineau | More powerful insecticides, declining insect populations, and bats. What could go wrong?

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Topic: Dr. Pierre Mineau | More powerful insecticides, declining insect populations, and bats. What could go wrong?
Time: Feb 02, 2022 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada) Presentation to the Canadian Association for the Club of Rome

interesting presentation reviewing the history of pesticide registration and ending with direct and indirect effects of pesticides on birds and bats. Link to four background documents on neonicotinoid effects on aquatic organisms, on bats, on birds and in water.

filed under neonicotinoids, and wildlife/birds and mammals

Monday, January 24, 2022

Chemical Exposure Monitoring Documents Widespread Pesticide Exposure to People and Pets

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Chemical Exposure Monitoring Documents Widespread Pesticide Exposure to People and Pets

(Beyond Pesticides, January 18, 2021) 'A study published in Environmental Science & Technology adds to the growing body of scientific research verifying the use of silicone devices as an effective tool for biomonitoring and disease prognosis, finding widespread exposure to people and pets... However, dogs develop comparable anthropomorphic (human-like) diseases (e.g., cancer, organ damage) from susceptibility to the same environmental contaminants, but at a much quicker pace. Therefore, this research highlights the significance of identifying chemicals associated with diseases that are common across multiple species over longer disease latency periods.

The results find over 70 percent of silicone samples detect the presence of multiple pesticides detectable, such as insecticides, including permethrinfipronil, and N, N diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) (a highly toxic insect repellent and synergist). Both DEET and fipronil are detectable in 100 percent of human and dog silicone devices, with DEET concentrations in silicone device samples associated with chemical levels in urine. Due to the use of fipronil as flea and tick treatment, participants reporting recent flea/tick treatments have higher levels of fipronil in both silicone and urine samples.'

SNAP Comment: A PMRA label search shows fipronil is not and has not been sold in Canada. There are 250 DEET products registered and 353 products containing permethrin.

filed under Monitoring Pesticides

Monday, January 24, 2022

Global Chemical Pollution Exceeds Safe Limits for Humanity

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Global Chemical Pollution Exceeds Safe Limits for Humanity

(Beyond Pesticides, January 21, 2022) The bottom-line conclusion of a recent study is that global chemical pollution has now exceeded a safe limit for humanity. As reported by The Guardian, “The cocktail of chemical pollution that pervades the planet now threatens the stability of global ecosystems upon which humanity depends.” Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the research paper asserts that the creation and deployment (into the materials stream and environment) of so many “novel entities” (synthetic chemicals) is happening at a pace that eclipses human ability to assess and monitor them. The study team calls this exceedance of the “planetary boundary” of such chemical pollution “the point at which human-made changes to the Earth push it outside the stable environment of the last 10,000 years.” 

Monday, January 24, 2022

Hazardous Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Subject of Lawsuit Against EPA

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Hazardous Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Subject of Lawsuit Against EPA

(Beyond Pesticides, January 19, 2022) After registering over 300 products containing synthetic pyrethroid pesticides within the last six years, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has done nothing to safeguard endangered species from toxic exposure to these chemicals, despite legal requirement to do so. This dereliction of duty is set to be the subject of a new lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, which announced its intent to sue EPA

filedunder legal/litigation

Monday, January 17, 2022

Direct pesticide exposure of insects in nature conservation areas in Germany

a buffer of at least 2 km is needed to avoid contamination.

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 Direct pesticide exposure of insects in nature conservation areas in Germany  (Carsten A. Brühl et al; Scientific Reports,16 December 2021)

In total, residues of 47 current use pesticides were detected, and insect samples were on average contaminated with 16.7 pesticides. Residues of the herbicides metolachlor-S, prosulfocarb and terbuthylazine, and the fungicides azoxystrobin and fluopyram were recorded at all sites. The neonicotinoid thiacloprid was detected in 16 of 21 nature conservation areas, most likely due to final use before an EU-wide ban. The individual chemicals reflect sales volume of each.  A change in residue mixture composition was noticeable due to higher herbicide use in spring and increasing fungicide applications in summer. The number of substances of recorded residues is related to the proportion of agricultural production area in a radius of 2000 m. Therefore, a drastic pesticide reduction in large buffers around nature conservation areas is necessary to avoid contamination of their insect fauna.   see also Insects in Nature Preserves Contaminated with Over a Dozen Pesticides (Beyond Pesticides, January 13, 2022) 

SNAP Comment: As mentioned in the article, the higher chemical detection reflects volume of sales so a similarly designed study in other locations would have to reflect pesticide use and persistence in the area. There are currently 32 PMRA registered pesticide products containing metolachlor in Canada, 0 present or historical containing prosulfocarb, 0 present or historical containing terbuthylazine,  44 (down from 49) containing azoxystrobin, 18 containing fluopyram and 4 containing the neonicotinoid thiacloprid. 

filed under insects and mixtures

Monday, January 17, 2022

Neonicotinoids Pass Through Aphids, Contaminating Honeydew and Killing off Pest Predators

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Neonicotinoids Pass Through Aphids, Contaminating Honeydew and Killing off Pest Predators

(Beyond Pesticides, January 6, 2022) Seeds treated with neonicotinoid insecticides contaminate honeydew, often the biggest source of food for pest predators, according to recent research published in the journal Environmental Pollution... But there is another systemic effect that is not included in that picture, and in monoculture crops, (honeydew) could be the biggest source of carbohydrates for beneficial pest predators “This rich carbohydrate source is a common food for many beneficial insects, including pollinators, such as bees and flies, and some natural enemies of pests, such as ants, wasps and beetles,” said John Tooker, PhD, coauthor of a recent literature review published in Biological Reviews. “Honeydew often is more abundant than nectar in agroecosystems.” 

Researchers found that concentrations of the neonicotinoid clothianidin (the chemical tested by scientists, as it is the immediate breakdown product of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam), are 9 to 11 times higher in aphid honeydew derived from plants that were seed treated with neonicotinoids (at ~35-45 parts per billion), compared to those untreated. Importantly, however, aphids from untreated blocks also had neonicotinoids in their honeydew (at ~1.5-6 ppb). Researchers indicate that this was either from prior plantings on the plot of land chosen, or from runoff from nearby applications causing contamination in the untreated plot.  The results also reveal that pest predators die off much faster when eating contaminated honeydew. The pesticides identified as particularly problematic for this route of exposure are generally those the researchers indicate have systemic properties.  

SNAPComment: There are currently 16 PMRA registered pesticides containing thiamethoxam in Canada, and 16 containing clothianidin. Many more contain other neonicotinoids.

filed under neonicotinoids and wildlife/insects

Monday, January 17, 2022

Banned Pesticides in Well Water Linked to Declines in Kidney Function

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Banned Pesticides in Well Water Linked to Declines in Kidney Function

(Beyond Pesticides, January 12, 2022) Well water in agricultural regions of Sri Lanka is contaminated with highly hazardous insecticides and associated with a decline in kidney function, according to research published in npj Clean Water this month. 

Of the wells sampled, 68% were found to contain pesticides. Further, every well where pesticides were detected had at least one pesticide recorded above global drinking water guidelines. The chemicals found were also some of the most toxic pesticides to ever be sold, including the organochlorine insecticides DDT/DDE, propanil, and endosulfan, and the organophosphate diazinon. None of these chemicals are permitted for use in Europe or the United States, and some like endosulfan are being phased out globally through the Stockholm Convention.

The study found that individuals reporting drinking well water during their lifetimes had glomerular filtration rate (a measurement of kidney health) that was significantly lower on average (6.7) than other individuals who never drank well water, after accounting for differences in age and sex. 

SNAP Comment: I don't know of many well water contamination studies in Canada. There are currently no PMRA registered products containing DDT/DDE (down from 55), propanil  (down from 7), endosulfan (down from 16) in Canada and 5 (down from 184)  diazinon products (2 commercial and 3 in ear tags). 

filed under kidney and industry shenanigans/Interference with Research and Research Publication

Monday, January 17, 2022

Household Pesticide Use Harms Infant Motor Skill Development

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Household Pesticide Use Harms Infant Motor Skill Development

(Beyond Pesticides, January 5, 2022) Household pesticide use is associated with harmful impacts to infant motor development, according to a study published late last year in the journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. As with other pollutants in society, low-income, people of color communities are disproportionately in contact with toxic pesticides, resulting in exposures that can start early, and affect health over the course of one’s lifetime. '“In adjusted models, infants whose mothers reported household use of rodent or insect pesticides had 1.30 (95% CI 1.05, 1.61) times higher expected gross motor scores than infants in households with no reported household pesticide use, with higher scores indicating decreasing gross motor performance,” the study indicates. Household pesticide use over the last decade has generally shifted away from the use of older organophosphate chemistries to the use of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. But this switch has not resulted in safer exposures; a growing body of literature is finding that synthetic pyrethroids can cause a range of adverse health impacts, particularly in children.'

filed under children and pyrethrins

Monday, January 17, 2022

Common Home Fumigation Pesticide Associated with Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Common Home Fumigation Pesticide Associated with Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Beyond Pesticides, January 11, 2022) A study finds that the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, used for insect (i.e., termites, bedbugs, cockroaches, etc.) fumigation treatments, increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the report, “Termite Fumigation in California Is Fueling the Rise of a Rare Greenhouse Gas.” . However, researchers have identified concentrations of sulfuryl fluoride in the atmosphere due to the chemical’s long half-life and greenhouse warming potential (GWP). The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 does not list sulfuryl fluoride emissions as a GHG risk. Therefore, the researchers note, “This work emphasizes the importance of considering sulfuryl fluoride SO2F2 in state and national greenhouse gas inventories and emissions reduction strategies.”

SNAP Comment: There are currently 2 PMRA registered sulfuryl fluoride products in Canada used in structural fumigation for stored product pests, mostly food. 

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Silence of the Clams—Study Highlights the Threat of Multiple Pesticide Stressors to Bivalves

forestry pesicides tested but not glyphosate

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“Silence of the Clams”—Study Highlights the Threat of Multiple Pesticide Stressors to Bivalves

(Beyond Pesticides, January 4, 2021) Chronic exposure to pesticides used in conventional forestry operations runoff and harm soft shell clams, according to a recent study published in Science of the Total Environment, entitled “The silence of the clams: Forestry registered pesticides as multiple stressors on soft-shell clams. Rather than focusing on the impact of a single chemical, researchers analyzed the combined effects of several pesticides.

The pesticides tested included various combinations of atrazine, hexazinone, indaziflam, and bifenthrin. Every ten days, the tanks were dosed, and 30 days the clams were analyzed for their weight and growth.

Every combination of pesticide dosing resulted in higher mortality rates than control tanks where clams were not exposed to any pesticides.  Many of the nonlethal changes observed indicate a loss of fitness in the environment, such as elongated shells, low tissue weight, and slower rate of clearing algae from their tank with clams exposed to a combination of atrazine and hexazinone.'

filed under wildlife/aquatic organisms

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Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Glyphosate-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis facilitates male reproductive toxicity in rats

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Glyphosate-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis facilitates male reproductive toxicity in rats (Sci Total Environ. 2022 Jan 20;805: Epub 2021 Sep 16,2021).

' Data showed that GLY(phosate)-exposed rats exhibited male reproductive dysfunction, evidenced by impaired testis architectural structure, reduced sperm motility, together with increased sperm malformation ratio....these findings uncover an underlying mechanistic scenario that gut microbiota dysbiosis-driven local IL-17A production is one reason responsible for male reproductive toxicity induced by GLY, which provides new insights into the male reproductive toxicity of GLY in mammals. '

filed under glyphosate and digestive tract/human microbiome

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Content Here.Class action lawsuit: Gramoxone (Paraquat) associated with Parkinson’s Disease

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Content Here.Class action lawsuit: Gramoxone (Paraquat) associated with Parkinson’s Disease

Gramoxone® is a herbicide used to control weeds and grasses with an active ingredient called paraquat. It is alleged that paraquat exposure is linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Siskinds and its Québec-based affiliate Siskinds Desmeules have filed proposed class action lawsuits on behalf of all Canadians who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after using and/or being exposed to Gramoxone®, since July 1, 1963. The actions have been filed in Ontario, British Columbia, and Québec, and are brought against Syngenta AG, Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, Syngenta Canada Inc., Syngenta International AG, and Syngenta Crop Protection AG (the “Defendants”).

filed under legal/litigation/Canada