Peter wrote:


Systemic insecticides are much safer for the applicators, and are specifically 
argeted to plant pests.
That may be so, but the paper cited indicates that they are also harmful to honeybees which aren't by any stretch of the imagination plant pests. Also, unlike the earlier chemicals you listed, they are systemic, which means that WE end up eating them.  The experiment showed that, in conjunction with antibiotics, mice are harmed by neonics. Genetically we are very close to mice (we share 60% of our genes with bees!) and so it might be wise to apply the precautionary principle until all is found to be safe. Remember Murphy's Law!
Chris


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