Did we already have this one on this subject:
http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22292570
Assessment of the environmental exposure of honeybees to particulate matter
containing neonicotinoid insecticides coming from corn coated seeds.
Tapparo A, Marton D, Giorio C, Zanella A, Soldą L, Marzaro M, Vivan L,
Girolami V.
Source
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universitą degli Studi di Padova , via
Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy.
Abstract
Since seed coating with neonicotinoid insecticides was introduced in the
late 1990s, European beekeepers have reported severe colony losses in the
period of corn sowing (spring). As a consequence, seed-coating neonicotinoid
insecticides that are used worldwide on corn crops have been blamed for
honeybee decline. In view of the currently increasing crop production, and
also of corn as a renewable energy source, the correct use of these
insecticides within sustainable agriculture is a cause of concern. In this
paper, a probable-but so far underestimated-route of environmental exposure
of honeybees to and intoxication with neonicotinoid insecticides, namely,
the atmospheric emission of particulate matter containing the insecticide by
drilling machines, has been quantitatively studied. Using optimized
analytical procedures, quantitative measurements of both the emitted
particulate and the consequent direct contamination of single bees
approaching the drilling machine during the foraging activity have been
determined. Experimental results show that the environmental release of
particles containing neonicotinoids can produce high exposure levels for
bees, with lethal effects compatible with colony losses phenomena observed
by beekeepers.
Ghislain De Roeck
Belgium
50° 45' 14" N
3° 54' 48" E
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