A Canadian regulatory agency has published a report damning a widely used agricultural pesticide.
Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is recommending the phase-out of all the agricultural and a majority of other outdoor uses of imidacloprid over three to five years.
Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide used by commercial applicators and growers to manage insects on a large number of agricultural crops, trees and turf. It can also be used at home to manage insects on lawns, as well as fleas or ticks on cats and dogs.
The PMRA's environmental assessment showed that, in aquatic environments in Canada, imidacloprid is being measured at levels that are harmful to aquatic insects.
"These insects are an important part of the ecosystem, including as a food source for fish, birds and other animals," the report states. "Based on currently available information, the continued high volume use of imidacloprid in agricultural areas is not sustainable."
The environmental assessment also found that there is a potential risk to birds and small mammals from feeding on seeds that are treated with imidacloprid, however, the report goes on to say that "good agricultural practices and equipment could reduce this type of exposure."
The health assessment did not identify human health concerns from any exposure route when used according to current label standards.
The proposed re-evaluation decision is now open for public consultation for 90 days. PMRA is inviting the public to submit comments on the proposed re-evaluation decision for imidacloprid including proposals that may refine the risk assessment and risk management. Once PMRA considers the comments and any information that are received during the public consultation period, it will publish a final decision.
The PMRA said it routinely works collaboratively with other member countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the regulation of pesticides. As part of the re-evaluation of an active ingredient, the PMRA takes into consideration recent developments and new information on the status of a pesticide in other jurisdictions.
Imidacloprid is currently acceptable for use in many OECD member countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Canada and the United States are collaborating on the re-evaluation of the neonicotinoids, including imidacloprid, to assess potential risks to pollinators.
In Europe, substantial use restrictions for imidacloprid (and other neonicotinoid products) have been imposed to minimize exposure to bees while an assessment of pollinator risk is completed. Additional environmental risk assessment work continues in Europe. Provincial, state, and member state level restrictions on neonicotinoid use have been imposed in some cases.