Study says insecticide used with GM corn highly toxic to bees

By Iowa Sierra Club

New research should nail the coffin lid shut on a toxic bee-killing pesticide; Entire food chain found to be contaminated, from soil to pollen to dead bees.

The Sierra Club calls on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to immediately suspend the registration of the insecticide clothianidin, based on new scientific evidence of extensive contamination in bees and soil.

On January 3, 2012, scientists at Purdue University documented major adverse impacts from clothianidin, used as a seed treatment in corn, on honey bee health. The results showed clothianidin present in foraging areas long after treated seed has been planted.

The study raises questions about the long term survival of this major pollinator.

Leaked EPA Document Shows It Knowingly Allowed Pesticide That Kills Honey Bees

By Ariel Schwartz
Fast Company

The world honey bee population has plunged in recent years, worrying beekeepers and farmers who know how critical bee pollination is for many crops. A number of theories have popped up as to why the North American honey bee population has declined–electromagnetic radiation, malnutrition, and climate change have all been pinpointed. Now a leaked EPA document reveals that the agency allowed the widespread use of a bee-toxic pesticide, despite warnings from EPA scientists.