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December 10th, 2024
A new research review by independent scientists concludes that exposure to neonicotinoids, the United States’ most common pesticide, may significantly shrink brain tissue and cause neuron loss in developing brains the same way as nicotine does. Exposure to neonicotinoids could be linked to long-term health impacts, including things like ADHD, reduced motor skills, slower auditory reflexes, behavioral problems, and delayed sexual maturation in males.
Neonicotinoid residue is common in produce, and while the EPA seems poised to set limits, scientists have major concerns that the EPA is going to set regulations based on data produced by the pesticide industry itself that will leave high enough levels of neonicotinoids that are especially dangerous for developing children. Independent scientists say they found pesticide makers withheld information or did not include required data and allege the EPA has drawn industry-friendly conclusions from the research. Nathan Donley, the paper’s co-author with the Center for Biological Diversity, commented: “If you’re pregnant or hoping to get pregnant, I can say with certainty that the current level of human exposure deemed safe by the EPA is not protective of your future child, and it boils my blood.”
Neonicotinoids destroy an insect’s nerve synapse, causing uncontrollable shaking, paralysis, and death. A growing body of science has found it decimates bee populations and kills other insects and pollinators not directly targeted by the chemical. Though scientists used to think that neonicotinoids only impacted insects, subsequent research has revealed that these pesticides break down into smaller compounds that have just as potent effects as nicotine on the human brain. Research has found neonicotinoids in over 95% of pregnant women’s bodies and in human blood and urine at alarming levels. Agricultural workers face the highest exposures, but these pesticides are regularly found on produce and are water soluble, so they easily leach into soils, streams, and, ultimately, our drinking water.
If you’re concerned about the potential harm to you or your family from exposure to neonicotinoids, you should contact your federal representatives and speak to them about fighting for stronger regulation of these poisons to keep them out of our water and food. In the meantime, if you believe your health has been harmed by exposure to pesticides, you should contact an experienced law firm right away to explore your rights.
