> What levels do hives that are apparently healthy have, and what level in unhealthy hives??

I think the whole question is wrong. It presumes that environmental chemicals are the most significant problem, whereas they are not. The most significant problem in honey bee colonies, as in most eukaryotes, is viruses. People are living longer than ever today, despite the ubiquitous use of environmental chemicals. I believe the regulations are adequately protective, with the obvious exception of acute episodes due to violations or catastrophes. On the other hand, we have no real defense against most of the major pathogenic viruses, they are involved in massive die-offs, and the mutate faster than most other organisms.

Pete

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