Archives for 2023
- Saturday, June 3, 2023
Revealed: The secret push to bury a weedkiller’s link to Parkinson’s disease
about paraquat - Internal documents from chemical giant Syngenta reveal tactics to sponsor sympathetic scientific papers and mislead regulators about unfavorable research
Revealed: The secret push to bury a weedkiller’s link to Parkinson’s disease
Internal documents from chemical giant Syngenta reveal tactics to sponsor sympathetic scientific papers and mislead regulators about unfavorable research (by Carey Gillam, The Guardian, 2 June 2023)
'Those documents showed that Syngenta was aware decades ago of evidence that exposure to paraquat could impair the central nervous system, triggering tremors and other symptoms in experimental animals similar to those suffered by people with Parkinson’s.
They also showed that Syngenta worked covertly to keep a highly regarded scientist studying causes of Parkinson’s from sitting on an advisory panel for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the chief US regulator for paraquat and other pesticides.
The new documents have emerged at a sensitive time for Syngenta. In less than six months, the Swiss chemical giant faces a first-ever trial in litigation brought by US farmers and others who allege the company’s paraquat weedkiller causes Parkinson’s.'
SNAP comment: Historically there were16 paraquat containing pesticides registered in Canada, even some as domestic products (to be used by consumers). The last to be taken off the market was Gramoxone 200 SL on 2022-03-08. As a result, this product, classified as restricted, might still be in use because the PMRA only controls sales not use. Typically a pesticide is used for several years after it is taken off the market as users stockpile it. Research on glaciers indicates that peak deposition for banned organochlorines occurs at least 1 decade after they had been banned and maximum use had occurred in North America.
filed under Industry Shenanigans, nervous system effects/Parkinson's and paraquat
- Friday, June 2, 2023
Move to change how U.S. tracks pesticide use sparks protest
Scientists oppose U.S. Geological Survey plan to reduce scope and frequency of chemical database
Move to change how U.S. tracks pesticide use sparks protest
Scientists oppose U.S. Geological Survey plan to reduce scope and frequency of chemical database (by Virginia Gewin, Science, 30 May 2023)'The USGS data have played a role in more than 500 peer-reviewed studies, the letter notes, including highly cited works on the impact of pesticides on public health, water quality, and ecosystems. Instead of reducing the database’s scope and frequency, the critics say USGS should be expanding it in order better track the estimated 540 million kilograms of pesticides used annually in the United States.'
The USGS database, which dates to 1992, tracked the shifting use of more than 400 chemicals to control insects, fungi, weeds, and other pests. Now the only track 72 pesticides. Preliminary maps are released documenting pesticide use 2 years prior. Now they want to do it every 5 years. 'Some scientists also want USGS to restart efforts to track one of the fastest growing uses of pesticides: seed coatings that protect against, for example, plant diseases or nematodes.'
SNAP comment: As far as I know, we have no canadian maps. According to old stats, SK uses 33 to 36% of all pesticides sold in Canada and the PMRA annual reports don't disclose the amount and individual chemicals by province. This is apparently secret data. and that is only sales's data. As to use data, we are in total darkness. Is that any surprise that it's so hard to study correlations between pesticide use and illness or environmental harm in Canada?
filedunder
- Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Presentations from delegations EX23-47 Supplemental Report - Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides
includes SNAP presentation.
Regina Executive council. EX23-47 Supplemental Report - Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:00 AM Henry Baker Hall, Main Floor, City Hall, Regina. The item came to the agenda around 4:45 pm.
includes delegations list and some of the presentations submitted in advance SNAP presentation is in its entirety down the document under EX23-47 as well as a few others.
All Regina Council meetings are on YouTube if anyone wants to watch. They are apparaently all taped.
filed under bylaws/provincial/Saskatchewan/Regina
- Monday, May 29, 2023
SNAP presentation on EX23-47 - Supplemental Report - Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides
Snap prefers a bylaw but offers comments on options
Error (DOC): file doesn't exist by the City of Regina
- Saturday, May 27, 2023
Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides
(City of Regina, EX Public Report, EX23-37
Regulate the Non-essential (Cosmetic) Use of Pesticides (City of Regina, Saskatchewan CA,
EX Public Report, EX23-37, Tabled May 3, 2023)If you want to speak to Executive Committee on the 31st, you must contact the Clerk’s office by Monday noon with your name, contact information and a brief statement of what you will speak on. You will have five minutes to present and then Councillors may ask questions. The link below provides information on how to make a request to the Clerk’s office and what is required from you: https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/council-meetings/
and, the Report and appendices on Regulation of Non-essential (Cosmetic) Pesticides http://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=5819&MediaPosition=&ID=9498&CssClass=
Here is the link to the Supplemental report on City of Kelowna Pesticide Registry: http://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=5819&MediaPosition=&ID=9816&CssClass=
filed under action and bylaws/provincial/Saskatchewan
- Saturday, May 27, 2023
Australian Pesticides Map
Australian Pesticides Map (Friends of the Earth) You can searach the map by categories of impact (fauna, human health, drift, etc), chemicals, locations and era (period of use)
filed under exposure to pesticides link to p. 2
- Saturday, May 27, 2023
Webinar Recording: The Problem With Pesticides
and new Pesticide Atlas for the US
Webinar Recording: The Problem With Pesticides (PAN, 25 May 2023)
Watch the recording of The Problem with Pesticides, a discussion hosted by Real Food Media featuring PAN Senior Scientist Emily Marquez and partners from the Center for Biological Diversity, US Right to Know, and Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action. This conversation marked the launch of the U.S. edition of the Pesticide Atlas, which details the current state of pesticide use, and panelists discussed the connections between pesticides, public health, the climate crisis, and biodiversity.
there are also European and Asian editions of the Pesticide Atlas. google for them.
filed under Exposure to Pesticides link to p 2.
- Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Flea Beetle Natural Control
Flea beetles are starting to appear in various parts of the prairies. They are attracted to many different vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohrabi, kale, radish, pak choi, potato, tomato, eggplant, arugula, beets and spinach. They also feed on nasturtium, alyssum and horseradish. Weeds in the mustard family are also hosts such as: shepherd's purse, stinkweed, common pepper-grass and any of the wild mustards or canola. Damage from flea beetles is worst at the seed leaf stage (see photo). Older plants can tolerate feeding with less damage. To learn how to manage flea beetles in your vegetable garden without using pesticides (Gardening at USask)
filed under Alternatives//Insects
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023
More Data Shows Failure of Crops Genetically Engineered to Incorporate Insecticide
resistance development
More Data Shows Failure of Crops Genetically Engineered to Incorporate Insecticide
(Beyond Pesticides, April 21, 2023) Into the annals of “entropic methods of agricultural pest control” arrives recent research showing that pests are, unsurprisingly, developing resistance to a genetically engineered (GE) biopesticide used for more than 90% of U.S. corn, cotton, and soybeans.
filed under gmos and resistance/Resistance to Insecticide
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Intensive farming is biggest cause of bird decline in Europe, study says
Use of pesticides and fertilisers identified as most significant factor behind loss of 550 million birds from skies
Intensive farming is biggest cause of bird decline in Europe, study says
Use of pesticides and fertilisers identified as most significant factor behind loss of 550 million birds from skies
'Farmland species suffered the most precipitous decline, with numbers falling by 56.8% since research began, the study said. Numbers of urban dwelling birds were down 27.8%, and among woodland dwelling birds the fall was 17.7%.
But in all contexts, intensive agriculture, which has been on the rise across Europe, was identified as a major factor in decline, with the mass slaughter of invertebrates as pests creating a “trophic cascade” up the food chain.'filed under wildlife/birds
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Organic Beekeeping Able to Manage Bees As or More Successfully than Chemical-Intensive Approach
Organic Beekeeping Able to Manage Bees As or More Successfully than Chemical-Intensive Approach
(Beyond Pesticides, April 26, 2023) 'Organic methods of honey bee management are just as or more effective than conventional, chemical-intensive management systems, according to research published this month in the journal Scientific Reports by a team of Penn State scientists...Organic colonies contained solid bottom boards, and were treated with a rotation of organic-approved materials. Combs designed specifically to rear drones (and subsequently be removed to address Varroa) were employed, and over winter rations included granulated sucrose provided in January... (O)rganic was able to effectively match chemical management in reductions – by 72% in organic to 78% in conventional, relative to the chemical-free system. The failure of input-free system appears to be a result of heavy pest pressure experienced with beekeeping in the modern era'
filed under bee die-off. Alternatives/insects abduvertebrates/Additional information on certain pests has a section on Varroa mite control
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Organophosphate (OP) Pesticides in Agricultural Area Residents’ Urine Year Round
Organophosphate (OP) Pesticides in Agricultural Area Residents’ Urine Year Round
(Beyond Pesticides, April 28, 2023) 'A study published in Science of The Total Environment finds agricultural communities encounter chronic and measurable pesticide exposure regardless of seasonal pesticide applications. Several biomonitoring studies demonstrate people living adjacent to or within agricultural areas often experience elevated levels of organophosphate (OP) insecticides, even while not working directly with OPs. Six dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites (breakdown products) of OPs persist in urine during the spraying and non-spraying seasons.' This is likely due to widespread contamination of foods woth OPs and household use.
filed under body burdens and Pesticide fact sheets/Organophosphates
- Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Report Adds to Evidence of Widespread PFAS Contamination; Calls for Removal of Products
Report Adds to Evidence of Widespread PFAS Contamination; Calls for Removal of Products
(Beyond Pesticides, May 4, 2023) One of the most widely used insecticides in California, Intrepid 2F, contains harmful levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” according to a report by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). In fact, 40 percent of pesticide products in the report tested positive for high levels of PFAS. PFAS are common in non-stick cookware, cleaning/personal care products, food packaging, and other consumer products. However, these compounds are also in pesticide products.' Tested products containing PFAs were the insecticides Malathion 5EC (active ingredient: malathion), Oberon 2SC (active ingredient: spiromesifin) Intrepid 2F (active ingredient: methoxyfenozide).
SNAP Comment: There are 12 malathion products registered in Canada, 2 methoxyfenozide and 0 spiromesifin.
filed under Formulants/Inerts and Contaminants/contaminants
- Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Regina: Wascana Center starting their herbicide program
week of 15 May, 2023
check the schedule at https://wascana.ca/about-us/pesticide-spraying-schedules or look at the botton right of the SNAP home page.
- Friday, April 28, 2023
Leafy Spurge Control Using Flea Beetles (Aphthona spp.)
explains the life cycle so one can time mowing or grazing better.
Leafy Spurge Control Using Flea Beetles (Aphthona spp.) explains the life cycle so one can time mowing or grazing better. It looks like cutting off flowers or seed heads and disposing would not affect the adult beetles who feed on leaves. Mowing or grazing before emergence might be OK as long as it leaves leaves to feed on and stems to lay eggs against.
'Flea beetle life cycle
Aphthona spp. adults emerge from the soil in late spring to early summer (Figure 2). Following emergence, adults feed on leafy spurge leaf tissue and mate. Females begin laying egg clusters of three to 15 eggs almost immediately. Egg laying continues every three to five days throughout the adult life stage. Aphthona spp. females produce an average of 220 to 280 eggs over a lifetime. Eggs are yellow and laid on the soil surface or slightly below, near the leafy spurge stem base. Larvae emerge from eggs in 12 to 19 days. The longevity of A. czwalinae, A. lacertosa and A. nigriscutis will vary from year to year depending on weather conditions. A hot, dry spring and summer will shorten the time adults are present while a cool, wet season will lengthen it. Generally, adults live for 1.5 to two months in the field. Most leafy spurge flea beetles have a single generation, egg to adult, each year.'
added to the Leafy Spurge page at alternatives to pesticides/weeds
- Friday, April 28, 2023
Common Tansy Control
Tanacetum vulgare- photos in links
I posted a photo of tansy flowers on facebook and several people commented on what a horrible weed it is and that Roundup doesn't control it. I realized I did not have a link to tansy natural control sites. It appears it is difficult to control strictly by natural means at this time but they can be hand-pulled (with gloves) and one should mow very low to the ground before July prevent seed production, followed by herbicide treatment of regrowth. This may have to be repeated for a number of years. According to the Saskatchewan government, it does not tolerate frequent disturbance. In general, roots are weakened the most when plants have extended their flower heads so one can deplete the roots better by mowing at that time.
Tansy biocontrol for USA and Canada
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) (Problem Weeds - A Cattlemen's Guide/Tansy, Government of Sasaktchewan}
Common Tansy fact sheeet (Invasive species Council of BC, arch 2019)
" Mechanical Control
» Common tansy can not be controlled with single mowing
events (e.g. once-a-year), as the plants will respond with an
increase in vegetative growth.
» Mowing sites very low to the ground before July can prevent
seed production.
» Combined mowing and subsequent herbicide treatment of
re-growth appears to be an effective control method.
Treatments must be repeated over several years.
» Hand pulling may be used in areas where mowing and
herbicide application are not feasible. Gloves and other
protective clothing should be worn to prevent skin irritation.'Tansy will spread quickly from its seed and less invasively from rhizomes. The seed is viable in soil for quite some time, so it is best to cut off the flower heads before they turn into seeds. Dig out clumps of the plant where you do not wish to have it and keep old plant matter cleaned up to prevent self-seeding. Hand pulling the plants as you would pull weeds can prevent the plant from spreading. You should do this with gloves, as there have been some reports of contact toxicity. It is unlikely to be toxic to grazing animals, but minimize the spread by mowing areas with the plant when they are in bud stage.'
Read more at Gardening Know How: Common Tansy: Tips For Controlling Tansy Weedsfiled under alternatives to pesticides/weeds
- Saturday, April 8, 2023
Exposing CropLife International and its members messaging around global health
Facebook illustrated power point
This #WorldHealthDay, we’re exposing CropLife International and its members’ messaging around global health, and highlighting the real impacts of the Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) they produce.
The pesticide industry group claims they’re committed to environmental and public health, but members Bayer, BASF, and Syngenta manufacture at least 27 HHP ingredients, sold under 90 different product names, in at least 57 countries. It’s clear that profiting from toxic chemicals is their only priority.
This World Health Day, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) must fully end its #ToxicAlliance with the pesticide industry – and renew its commitments to healthy food systems. For more information on our Stop the #ToxicAlliance campaign: https://www.panna.org/.../civil-society-ips-fao...
Special shout out to PAN Intern Taylor Atienza for developing this content!filed uder Pesticide Exposure 2
- Saturday, April 8, 2023
EWG investigation: Dangerous agricultural chemical chlormequat found in popular oat-based products
EWG investigation: Dangerous agricultural chemical chlormequat found in popular oat-based products (EWG, 31 January 2023) including Quaker Oats and Cheerios,
Chlormequat was discovered in all but one of 13 non-organic oat-based cereals, granola and other products including 11 products contained chlormequat levels higher than the amount we think is safe for children’s health, and one sample contained exactly that amount. This level – EWG’s health benchmark – is 30 parts per billion, or ppb, equivalent to a blade of grass on a football field. Chlormequat is approved for agricultural commercial use on ornamental plants only – not on oats or any other food products grown in the U.S. But imported oats can have chlormequat residue in them, which is how they end up in the food we eat. Also lists health effects.
SNAP Comment: 5 chlormequat products are registered in Canada as of 7 April 2023. It is regustered for use in greenhouse as well as cereal grains so we may be the source of the oat products contamination. Chlormequat is a plant rowth regulator.
filed under pesticides in food p.2
- Friday, April 7, 2023
Interview about New Brunswick online spray maps for forestry
Interview about New Brunswick online spray maps for forestry
from Caroline Lebbedarcy
I was interviewed yesterday in my capacity as Chair of SSNB by CHMAfm radio about our two online spray maps which were created a couple of years ago by our amazing computer whizz Gino Doucet. These maps use GNB released data and the maps update automatically every year.
One map lists all forest spray licenses for the current year on public and private forest land.
(new licenses publishe end of July every year)Note: The maps referenced in this report can be viewed here and here.
The historical spray map shows all herbicide (glyphosate mixtures) spraying that has occurred on public land only (GNB only rekeases public land data, which is what our campaign targets).
If you have any questions about our campaign or SSNB merchandise please contact me or Vice Chair Donald Bowser or our other three board members Bruce Dryer, Kimberly Copp and Joël MacIntosh.filed under forestry/ herbicides
- Friday, March 31, 2023
Pesticides are a hurdle to environmental justice
Pesticides are a hurdle to environmental justice link to the original paper. (PANNA, 29 March 2023) US study.
The paper reviewed data on 31 pesticide manufacturing facilities that were in “significant violation” of environmental laws (including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), and compared them to state averages. The findings? Pesticide manufacturing facilities in the U.S. that violate environmental laws are disproportionately located in low-income communities.
Two groups – Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Black people – tend to have higher average urinary and blood levels of several pesticides.
Another key highlight from the paper is the difference between risk assessments for different populations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates pesticides using one risk assessment approach for the general population, who are exposed via diet (food, water) and residential use. But for farmworkers and other workers exposed to pesticides occupationally, EPA uses a cost-benefit approach.
SNAP Comment: It has been a known observation for a long time that dangerous manufacturing is located in 'poor' areas. In the US these are most often people of color. This pattern also covers oil and gas as well as other toxins. As for pesticide exposure at work, most US agricultural workers tend to be temporary workers from Mexico and Latin America.
filed under exposure to pesticides
- Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Threatens Children’s Language Development at 18 Months after Birth, Study Finds
2 studies one on organophosphates and one on chlorppyrifos
(Beyond Pesticides, March 9, 2023) A study published in Environmental Research finds exposure to organophosphate (OP) compounds during pregnancy, or prenatal OP exposure can cause shortfalls in language development abilities at 18 months, stifling preschool-age language expression. Additionally, a timely and co-occurring study published in Environmental International confirms similar results, highlighting that chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate) impedes neurological and psychological development, including language communication and all motor skills of offspring at 12 and 18 months old.
SNAP Comment: There are still 21 chlorpyrifos pesticides registered in Canada as of 22 March 2023. Chlorpyrifos was commonly used in yards and gardens for decades until banned for this use, and still brodcasted for mosquito control until recently by Winnipeg, and then Edmonton which only recently quit using it. Several other organophosphates are also still registered.
filed under children/organophosphates, organophosphates, chlorpyrifos and nervous system effects
- Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Creosote-Induced Health Problems Persist from Springfield, MO Production, Now Superfund, Site
Creosote-Induced Health Problems Persist from Springfield, MO Production, Now Superfund, Site
(Beyond Pesticides, March 7, 2023) An old Kerr-McGee Wood Treatment Facility is still causing health issues among residents in Springfield, Missouri.
SNAP Comment: so that got me checking. There are still 10 registered creosote pesticides with the PMRA as of 22 March 2023. Then I found out there are Canadian wood treatment facilities with creosote. Wood preservation facilities, creosote: chapter D is part of a Gov. of Canada document. (Jul 28, 2017) so there are likely issues in Canada as well.
filed under Treated Wood/creosote
- Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Glyphosate Exposure Associated with Liver and Metabolic Disorders in Children, Young Adults
Glyphosate Exposure Associated with Liver and Metabolic Disorders in Children, Young Adults
(Beyond Pesticides, March 7, 2023) ..'according to research published in Environmental Health Perspectives. California study based on CHAMACOS (Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas) study.
'The results confirm there is cause for concern among young people’s exposure to glyphosate. At age 5, urinary levels of glyphosate’s primary breakdown product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) was associated with an increase in transaminases, liver enzymes that can cause harm at high levels in the body, as well as a nearly 2x increased risk of metabolic syndrome. This trend associating glyphosate exposure with adverse effects held throughout early adulthood. Glyphosate and AMPA exposure significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome in 14-year-olds. When paired with data on the amount of agricultural use glyphosate in a given area, having lived near an a site where glyphosate was applied from birth until 5 years of age was associated with having metabolic syndrome at age 18.
filed under Liver Disease and children/glyphosate
- Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Pesticide Exposure and the Link to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Pesticide Exposure and the Link to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Spanish study. (Beyond Pesticides, March 2, 2023) Populations experiencing higher levels of environmental pollutant exposure, specifically pesticides, also experience a higher rate of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology.
In the two areas, insecticides, including organophosphates chlorpyrifos, N-methyl carbamates, macrocyclic lactones, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids, are commonly used. Fungicides (i.e., di thiocarbamates, conazoles, dicarboximide), anilino-pyrimidines, and copper salts, and herbicides, including bipyridyl (paraquat, diquat), organophosphonates (glyphosate), chlorotriazine, and phenylurea, are commonly used in these areas.
The study highlights the increased risk of IBS in pesticide-heavy areas, particularly among women.
filed under digestive tract
- Friday, March 10, 2023
Strawberries Lose Their Sweetness, Aroma, and Taste after Being Sprayed with Chemical Fungicides, Study Finds
(Beyond Pesticides, March 1, 2023) Fungicides sprayed on chemically farmed strawberries reduce their flavor quality, according to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry this week.
Differences in sugar content are not minute, with the difenconazole expressing 10% less fructose, and boscalid group 25% less. At the same time, levels of titratable acid increase in the fungicide treatments, and display the lowest sugar-acid ratio; the control group expresses the highest. Treated strawberries show lower levels of flavonoid content and a lower number of total phenols compared to the control. Analysis found evidence that treated strawberries also have higher levels of oxidative stress
Filed under fungicides and food/nutrition
- Friday, March 10, 2023
Father’s Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in the Workplace Increases Risk of Heart Disease in Infants
Father’s Exposure to Toxic Chemicals in the Workplace Increases Risk of Heart Disease in Infants
(Beyond Pesticides, February 23, 2023) A father’s exposure to occupational (work-related) chemicals, including pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, formaldehyde studied), around the time of his partner’s pregnancy, has an association with a higher risk of infant congenital heart defects (CHDs), according to a Japanese study published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. The prevalence of infant CHDs is one of the most common genetic (congenital) diseases worldwide.
filed under children 2 and cardiovascular
- Friday, March 10, 2023
Neonicotinoids Combined with Other Pesticides Elevate Hazards to Honey Bee
Neonicotinoids Combined with Other Pesticides Elevate Hazards to Honey Bee (Beyond Pesticides, February 22, 2023) '
Among the eight pesticides tested, honey bee toxicity was as follows from most to least toxic: the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam, the organophosphate insecticide dimethoate, the carbamate insecticide methomyl, the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides permethrin, and then cypermethrin, the triazole fungicide tetraconazole, and the synthetic pyrethroids cyfluthrin and then esfenvalerate. These results did change based on different treatment lengths, yet thiamethoxam was found to remain the most toxic throughout all studies.
In the study, scientists evaluate a total of 98 different mixtures, from binary combinations of two different chemicals to octonary combinations of all eight different pesticides. Within these tests, approximately 30% of these were found to be synergistic to honey bees, exhibiting toxicity greater than each individual material in the mixture.
Perhaps the most concerning interaction came from combinations that included thiamethoxam and the fungicide tetraconazole. Any variation of pesticide combinations that include these two chemicals have a roughly 55% chance of exhibiting synergistic toxicity to honey bees.
filed unde Bee Die-off , mixture effects and fungicides
- Friday, March 10, 2023
Glyphosate Weed Killers Reduce Crop Yields and Hamper Climate Mitigation Efforts
Glyphosate Weed Killers Reduce Crop Yields and Hamper Climate Mitigation Efforts
(Beyond Pesticides, February 15, 2023) Finnish study of two separate experiments on the grass Festuca pratensis, an important forage crop grown for grazing animals throughout the world.
For all experiments and plot variables, none saw glyphosate use have a positive impact on yield or biomass. even among uncut grasses, those grown in glyphosate-sprayed soils showed the lowest root biomass. Chlorophyll content also followed this pattern, with those in the most intensively cut grouping showing the lowest content if also grown in soils where glyphosate was applied.
“This demonstrates a tremendous limitation to the potential carbon binding and storage belowground when soils are polluted by pesticide."
filed under glyphosate 2 and climate change
- Friday, March 10, 2023
Harming Wildlife, Pesticides in Waterways Run into the Great Lakes Year-Round
Harming Wildlife, Pesticides in Waterways Run into the Great Lakes Year-Round
(Beyond Pesticides, February 14, 2023) The waterways that flow into the Great Lakes are experiencing year-round pesticide contamination that exceeds benchmarks meant to protect aquatic life, according to research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
It is evident that the toxic soup that many U.S. waterways are carrying is unsustainable and threatens the foundation of many food chains. Imbalances in aquatic environments can ripple throughout the food web, creating trophic cascades that further exacerbate health and environmental damage.
filed under water
- Monday, February 6, 2023
Common Fungicide Adds to Growing List of Pesticides Linked to Gastrointestinal and Microbiome Damage
fungicide azoxystrobin (AZO)
Common Fungicide Adds to Growing List of Pesticides Linked to Gastrointestinal and Microbiome Damage
(Beyond Pesticides, January 26, 2023) A study published in Food Safety and Toxicology finds that the widely used fungicide azoxystrobin (AZO), used in food production and turf management, can disrupt the function of the intestinal (colonic) barrier responsible for the absorption of nutrients and defense against harmful substances. The results reveal AZO exposure altered the metabolic profile of microbes in the gut, inducing gut dysbiosis, leading to structural damage of the colon and colonic inflammatory response. Although the L-AZO (low dose) treatment group experiences no changes in body weight compared to the control group, the H-AZO (high dose) treatment group has significantly reduced body weight and weight gain. SNAP comment: Azoxystrobin does not seem to be currently registered by the PMRA in Canada.
filed under fungicides and digestive tract/microbiome
- Monday, February 6, 2023
Western Bumblebee Declines a Result of Pesticides and Climate Change, No End in Sight
Western Bumblebee Declines a Result of Pesticides and Climate Change, No End in Sight
(Beyond Pesticides, January 25, 2023) Populations of the western bumblebee are in free fall, with 57% declines across the species’ historical range, finds new research led by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey. These data are in line with trends for other once common bumblebees in the United States, like the rusty patched and American, of which the former is now listed as endangered and the latter is under consideration. In regard to pesticide stressors, the study focuses only on the application of neonicotinoid pesticides within the species range. Without considering other pesticide stressors, occupancy in regions where neonicotinoid applications occurred are 35% lower than areas where these chemicals are not sprayed. Not only are they lower, but scientists found trends to indicate that local populations decrease alongside increasing neonicotinoid use.
filed under neonicotinoids 2 and insects/neonicotinoids
- Monday, February 6, 2023
Garden pesticides are contributing to British songbird decline, study finds
Garden pesticides are contributing to British songbird decline, study finds (Helena Horton, The Guardian, 6 february 2023)
'The study was published in the journal ??Science of the Total Environment.
'The experiment, which surveyed 615 gardens in Britain, found 25% fewer house sparrows when glyphosate was used regularly. This is an ingredient found in commonly used herbicide brands such as Roundup or Gallup.
Slug pellets also seemed to have an impact on bird sightings; in gardens where metaldehyde slug pellets were used, house sparrow numbers were down by almost 40%.
Prof Dave Goulson, of the school of life sciences at the University of Sussex, said: “The UK has 22 million gardens, which collectively could be a fantastic refuge for wildlife, but not if they are overly tidy and sprayed with poisons. We just don’t need pesticides in our gardens. Many towns around the world are now pesticide free.”'filed under wildlife section//birds and glyphosate 2
- Thursday, January 26, 2023
NCAP s Pest Management Guide
NCAP's Pest Management Guide full of resources for identification of plant diseases, insects and weeds, management inclding alternatives and much more. Tailored ot the US NorthWest but much information is applicable elsewhere.
filed under alternatives
- Thursday, January 26, 2023
Neonicotinoid Insecticides Adversely Affect Nervous System Health, According to Study
Neonicotinoid Insecticides Adversely Affect Nervous System Health, According to Study
(Beyond Pesticides, January 19, 2023) Chinese study. 'Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives finds the presence of nine various neonicotinoids (neonics) and six neonic metabolites within human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Researchers collected CSF samples from patients experiencing similar symptoms with a different disease/clinical diagnosis (i.e., “mostly viral encephalitis, encephalitis other than viral encephalitis, leukemia, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral laceration, urinary tract infection, respiratory failure, pulmonary tuberculosis, and posterior circulation ischemia”).
Ninety-nine percent of the 314 CSF samples contain at least one neonic. Of the 314 CSF samples, nine percent (28) have a single neonic compound, 84 percent (265) have between 2 and 6, and six percent (19) have between 7 and 10 neonic compounds. Nine of these neonics in CSF samples are nitenpyram (NIT), thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, acetamiprid (ACE), thiacloprid, clothianidin, flonicamid, imidaclothiz, and sulfoxaflor. Additionally, six neonic metabolites are present in CSF: N-desmethyl-thiamethoxam, olefin-imidacloprid, 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (N-dm-ACE), thiacloprid-amide, and 6-chloronicotinic acid.
filed under neonicotinoids 2 and nervous system effects
- Thursday, January 26, 2023
Growing Sunflowers Near Honey Bee Colonies Helps Reduce Mite Problems
Growing Sunflowers Near Honey Bee Colonies Helps Reduce Mite Problems
(Beyond Pesticides, January 18, 2023) Sunflower plantings have the potential to significantly reduce mite infestations in nearby honey bee colonies, according to research recently published in the Journal of Economic Entomology by researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
For every doubling of sunflower crop production, models employed show a nearly 1/3 decrease in varroa mite infestation. For the fall pollen feeding experiment, colonies fed sunflower pollen saw a 2.75 fold reduction in the intensity of Varroa infestation compared to the artificial pollen treatment. For the spring feeding, Varroa was found in only one-third of hives sampled. Neither the fall nor spring feed experiment, or the individual caged bee experiment saw a significant effect on viral loading or Nosema prevalence, however.
filed under alterntives/insects and invertebrates/additional information and Bee Die-Off
- Thursday, January 26, 2023
Glyphosate Exposure and Urinary Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Agricultural Health Study
evidence supporting an association between glyphosate exposure and oxidative stress in humans
Glyphosate Exposure and Urinary Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Agricultural Health Study (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, djac242, https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac242, January 2023)
Our findings contribute to the weight of evidence supporting an association between glyphosate exposure and oxidative stress in humans and may inform evaluations of the carcinogenic potential of this herbicide.
filed under glyphosate and cancer/links
- Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Pesticides Not Only Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Development, But Accelerating Disease Symptoms
Pesticides Not Only Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Development, But Accelerating Disease Symptoms
(Beyond Pesticides, January 12, 2023) Exposure to certain pesticides among individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can increase the risk of symptom progression. According to a study published in Science of the Total Environment, nearly 20 percent of pesticides associated with the onset of PD also increase the risk of faster decline in motor and non-motor function. Using a geographic information system (GIS) tool to gather information on ambient exposure to pesticides in residences and workplaces via California Pesticide Use Report records and land use records. The researchers examine the association between 53 pesticides with links to PD onset to determine PD symptom progression for five years and 2.7 years (respectively) for two patients.
Of the pesticides with links to PD onset, ten or ~18.8 percent (i.e., copper sulfate pentahydrate, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid MCPA dimethylamine salt, tribufos, sodium cacodylate, methamidophos, ethephon, propargite, bromoxynil octanoate, monosodium methanearsonate MSMA, and dicamba) have associations with faster symptom progression.
SNAP comment: dicamba is used in most lawn care herbicide formulations. There are currently 83 copper sulfate, 95 MCPA , 4 ethephon,107 dicamba,and 0 tribufos, sodium cacodylate, methamidophos, propargite, bromoxynil octanoate, monosodium methanearsonate MSMA products registered in Canada although some have been historically registered.
filed under nervous system effects/Parkinson's
- Friday, January 20, 2023
Study Connects Neonicotinoids to Liver Damage Ignored by EPA
Study Connects Neonicotinoids to Liver Damage Ignored by EPA
(Beyond Pesticides, January 11, 2022) Neonicotinoid insecticides can have detrimental effects on liver health, according to research published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. (Chinese study)
Scientists determined the amount of eight neonicotinoids in bile samples, including acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam.
Researchers found that neonicotinoids are neither metabolized by the liver nor excreted by urine. Of all samples taken, at least one neonicotinoid was detected in 99% of individuals tested. However, different neonicotinoids were found to act in different ways. While the detection of acetamiprid was low (1% of samples), 97% contained nitenpyram. The widely used insecticide dinotefuran was detected in 86% of bile. Detections did not appear to differ between participants of different health backgrounds.(cancer vs control).
The results led scientists to believe that neonicotinoids found in bile will eventually be absorbed again by the intestines, make their way into blood, and eventually one’s liver. Biomarkers tested, such as cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile acids, were found to correlate with higher concentrations of certain neonicotinoids. Of the various neonicotinoids, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin were found to pose the greatest risk to liver health.
filded under neonicotinoids and liver
- Friday, January 20, 2023
Pollinator Decline Leads to Crop Losses, Malnutrition, and Highest Threat to Low-Income
Pollinator Decline Leads to Crop Losses, Malnutrition, and Highest Threat to Low-Income
(Beyond Pesticides, January 10, 2023) Pollinator losses are responsible for reducing the global production of nuts, fruits, and vegetables by 3-5%, and this loss of healthy, nutrient-dense food is resulting in over 425,000 excess deaths each year, according to research published late last year in Environmental Health Perspectives.
filed under terrestrial invertebrates
- Friday, January 20, 2023
Insecticidal Bed Nets Contribute to Resistance in Bed Bug Populations
Insecticidal Bed Nets Contribute to Resistance in Bed Bug Populations
(Beyond Pesticides, January 5, 2022) The use of insecticidal bed nets (IBNs) to prevent mosquito bites in malaria-endemic communities can result in resistance developing in secondary pests like bed bugs, according to research published in Parasites and Vectors. Decreased efficacy against bed bugs and other non-mosquito pests may result in misuse of both mosquito adulticides and bed nets, hampering efforts to stop the spread of malaria and other insect-borne disease.
filed under resistance/insecticides
- Friday, January 20, 2023
Neonicotinoid Insecticides Add to the Growing List of Chemicals that Transfer between Mother and Fetus
(Beyond Pesticides, January 4, 2022) A study published in Environmental Science and Technology finds neonicotinoids (neonics) and their breakdown products (metabolites), like other chemical pesticide compounds, can readily transfer from mother to fetus.
Levels of five neonics (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) and two metabolites of acetamiprid and imidacloprid were measured.
The most abundant neonic in mothers’ serum (MS) and cord serum (CS) samples is imidacloprid, whereas acetamiprid’s metabolite is the most abundant in CS and MS. Both parent and metabolite neonics have a high ransplacental transfer efficiencies (TTE), with imidacloprid having the highest transfer rate (1.61). Even the neonic with the lowest TTE of 0.81, thiamethoxam, is within the high TTE range, indicating proficient placental transfer of these chemicals from mother to fetus. Researchers identify that transplacental transfer of these chemicals mainly occurs through passive mechanisms depending on chemical structure.
filed under neonicotinoids and children/neonicotinoids
- Friday, January 20, 2023
Survey Technique Increases Agricultural Resiliency and Protects Pollinators; Higher Species Diversity in Organic
(Beyond Pesticides, December 21, 2022) Imagine plucking a flower and being able to find out every insect that recently visited that plant. By evaluating the environmental DNA (eDNA) left behind by insect pollinators alongside visual assessment surveys, a new study is providing an innovative way for farmers to improve pollination and protect on-farm biodiversity. Scientists also conducted visual monitoring, whereby an observer stood between two orchard rows and recorded all flower visitors within roughly eight feet of themselves. The two methods of observation provide somewhat differing, yet complimentary results.
filed under terrestrial invertebrates
- Friday, January 20, 2023
Integrated Weed Management: Biological Control Options
using goats and cattle for weed control in Sasaktchewan.
Integrated Weed Management: Biological Control Options (SK Prairie Conservation Action Plan -PCAP) 40 minute Youtube video.
Speaker: Sheena McInnes, Frenchman - Wood River Weed Management Area and SODCAP Presentation summary: The presentation will be mostly a video introduction of two grazing experts speaking on using cows and goats to control weeds.
Lee Sexton started with sheep but found goats more effective and acceptable to SK cattle producers for integrated weed management as they mostly don't eat grass. Lee mentions Leafy Spurge control. He assesses the site and can train his goats to eat the target weeds. sextongc@icloud.ca
Ralph Corcoran is a trained in holistic manager with cattle and is using the approach to rehabilitate the pastures on his farm. He has had success with controlling absinthe, burdock, thstle and even some leafy spurge by intensively grazing at the right time and rotation. Sheep or goat following cattle work good on Leafy Spurge. "With small paddocks, you can fix one problem at a time. it really works well." Stop the overgrazing. rlcorcoran@sasktel.net
www.holisticmanagement.ca
- Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Mother and Child Health: Learning Disorders and Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Study Results Released
ADHD and autism
Mother and Child Health: Learning Disorders and Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Study Results Released
(Beyond Pesticide, December 20, 2022) A meta-analysis published in Chemosphere finds prenatal pesticide exposure, or pesticide exposure during pregnancy has a positive association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Particularly, exposure to chemical classes organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid (PYR) insecticides, in addition to the mother’s age during pregnancy (≥30 years old), increased the risk factor of ASD. ADHD risk increases among offspring whose mothers encounter organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) during gestation.
filed under organophosphates, insecticides and nervous system effects/ADHD and autism
- Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Denying Science, Manufacturing Doubt: Monsanto/Bayer Promotion and Defense of Glyphosate/Roundup
the core of the pesticide industry public relations playbook
Denying Science, Manufacturing Doubt: Monsanto/Bayer’s Promotion and Defense of Glyphosate/Roundup
(Beyond Pesticides, December 16, 2022) A report released last week — Merchants of Poison: How Monsanto Sold the World on a Toxic Pesticide — exposes not only Bayer/Monsanto malfeasance in its “promotion” of its glyphosate-based herbicide products, including the notorious Roundup®, but also, the broader landscape of corporate efforts to white- or green-wash products that companies know are harmful to people and the environment. The report was issued by U.S. Right to Know (USRTK, a nonprofit investigative research group focused on promoting transparency for public health), Friends of the Earth (FOE), and Real Food Media. It carries the pithy subtitle, “A case study in disinformation, corrupted science, and manufactured doubt about glyphosate,” a description cited by the Friends of the Earth press release as “at the core of the pesticide industry’s public relations playbook.”
filed under industry shennigans
- Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Ultraviolet Light Researched as a Pest Control Technique
Ultraviolet Light Researched as a Pest Control Technique
(Beyond Pesticides, December 14, 2022) Ultraviolet (UV-C) light has the potential to successfully manage mite (Tetranychus urticae) populations without reducing yields or resorting to toxic pesticides, according to research published by scientists at University of Florida. “Since very few miticides (sprays) are currently effective in suppressing twospotted spider mites in strawberries, the use of UV light provides an effective physical control method that can be used in fields and in high-tunnel strawberry production systems,” says study author Sriyanka Lahiri, PhD. The findings provide an encouraging technique for farmers, but further investigation is needed to observe the success of this approach in other cropping systems.
flied under alternatives/insects/links
- Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Estrogen-Mediated Cancers in Humans Have Links to Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides
Estrogen-Mediated Cancers in Humans Have Links to Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides
(Beyond Pesticides, December 13, 2022) Adding to the science, a review published in Environmental Exposure, Biomonitoring and Exposure Assessment highlights how specific estrogen-mimicking pesticides increase the risk of disease, particularly hormone-related cancers among women (i.e., breast, ovarian, endometrial cancer) and men (i.e., testicular, prostate cancer). Like pesticides, endocrine disruptors are xenobiotic (i.e., chemical substances foreign to an organism or ecosystem).
Pesticides are one of the most potent xeno-estrogenic compounds, as estrogenic strength and environmental half-life exceed those of other xeno-estrogenic compounds. Focusing on organochlorine pesticides (OCs), the study evaluates the chemical effects on the physiological (anatomic) system to increase cancer risk. Using human studies, researchers assessed how estrogen-medicated cancer develops in women and men. Various OCs, including aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, HCH, DDT, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, phenoxy acid herbicides, and methoxychlor, have associations with hormone-related cancers.
Despite the ban on many OCs across the globe, these chemicals remain in the environment. Many OCs can exist in the body for at least three to six years, in soil for decades, and in water for at least a century. Moreover, consumption of food and water resources contaminated with OCs can cause these chemicals to bioaccumulate in the body, resulting in the biomagnification of OCs.
filed under cancer/links and insecticides
- Thursday, January 5, 2023
Integrated Pest Management and Pesticides on Ontario Golf Courses Full Report
Integrated Pest Management and Pesticides on Ontario Golf Courses Full Report (www.PreventCancerNow.ca, November 2020)
filed under IPM/effectiveness
- Thursday, January 5, 2023
Ocean Health: Environmental Pollutants Threaten Humpback Whale Reproduction and Offspring
Ocean Health: Environmental Pollutants Threaten Humpback Whale Reproduction and Offspring
(Beyond Pesticides, December 6, 2022) Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—including banned pesticides—present a health risk to humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), according to a study published in Environmental Pollution. Regarding female humpback whales, levels of POPs in blubber are higher in juveniles and subadults than in adults, primarily from the transference of contaminants from the mother to her calf. Organochlorine compounds (OCs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are well-known persistent organic pollutants.
Overall, the most abundant POPs are PCBs, followed by DDTs and chlordane. PCB levels are above the estimated threshold for adverse health effects. This report demonstrates that exposure to chemical contaminants adversely impacts marine mammal health globally. The study notes specific long-term health concerns among the humpback whale population not described in previous reports, including reproductive toxicity, immune dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to disease.
This article also lists other studies listing chemicals that contaminate marine mammal species BPA (plasticiser), the pesticides triclosan and atrazine, and “inert” ingredients from pesticide products
filed under mammals
- Thursday, January 5, 2023
Pest Management Regulatory Agency 2020 2021 Annual Report
Pest Management Regulatory Agency 2020 2021 Annual Report (Health Canada, 2021)
'Sales of pest control products in Canada have increased from 101.1 million kg of active ingredients (kg a.i.) in 2014 to 121.3 million kg a.i. in 2018 (Figure 2). In 2018, 71.1% of pesticide sales in Canada were agricultural sector products (Figure 3), whereas 24.3% were non-agricultural sector products, and 4.5% were domestic sector products. Figure 2. Quantity of pesticides sold in Canada (2014–2018) Glyphosate remained the top active ingredient sold in Canada in 2018 (Table 1). Six of the top 10 active ingredients sold in 2018 had been among the top 10 selling active ingredients since 2014. These top 10 active ingredients accounted for 68.7% of all pesticides sold in Canada in 2018. (p.11)
SNAP Comment: An pesticide use increase of 16.65% in the active ingredient glyphosate use in 5 years. Lots of interesting gems in this report
filed under Legislation/regulatory/ Canada