2020-10-13 08:13:00
Assessment of the impact of neonicotinoids on bee and human health
For many years, ANSES has been studying the role of co-exposure to pesticides and infectious agents on the phenomenon of bee mortality. Responsible for evaluating marketing authorizations (AMM), the Agency has issued in its opinions a certain number of recommendations to develop European regulations, in order to better take into account the impacts of these substances on behavior bees.
In a 2016 opinion, the Agency recommended strengthening the conditions of use of products containing the active substances clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid for all uses for which significant uncertainty remains.
Between 2016 and 2017, ANSES also carried out an in-depth expert assessment (PDF) on the effects on human health of six neonicotinoid substances authorized in plant protection products, biocides and veterinary medicines (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran). ). Its work does not reveal any harmful effects for human health, in compliance with the conditions of use set out in the marketing authorizations.
Evaluation of alternatives to neonicotinoids
Between 2016 and 2018 ANSES carried out an assessment of chemical and non-chemical alternatives to neonicotinoid-based products. His expertise has 3 aspects:
1/ Development of a methodology to identify these alternatives and allow comparison of their effectiveness and operationality with those of neonicotinoids. This methodology has been applied to all uses of neonicotinoids.
In 6 cases: no alternative, whether chemical or non-chemical, meeting the established criteria of effectiveness and operationality, was identified.
In 89% of cases, replacement solutions for neonicotinoids are based on the use of other active substances, notably pyrethroids.
In 39% of cases, chemical alternatives are based on the same family of active substances, or a single active substance or even on a single marketed product.
And in 78% of the cases analyzed, at least one non-chemical alternative solution exists.
2/ Definition of risk indicators for humans and the environment, including pollinators, regarding chemical alternatives. >> ANSES concludes that it cannot determine the active substances which would present the least unfavorable risk profile compared to that of neonicotinoids.
3/ Study of the impact of the ban use of neonicotinoids and the implementation of alternatives in agricultural activity. >> This impact is difficult to anticipate, particularly due to the diversity of uses of neonicotinoids, and the partly “insurance” nature of their significant use in seed treatment. However, the Agency proposes an indicative list of impact assessment criteria on the activity of the sectors.
ANSES recalled that with regard to the fight against pests, no method alone ensures sufficient effectiveness, a combination of chemical and non-chemical methods must therefore be considered as part of a control approach. integrated. Furthermore, it recommended accelerating the provision of alternative methods, effective and respectful of humans and the environment, for the protection and management of crops.
The particular situation of beet crops
Identification of alternative treatments to neonicotinoids for beet crops
In June 2020, following an epidemic of beet yellows virus transmitted by aphids, ANSES was asked to identify alternatives to neonicotinoid-based products applicable to the beet industry. The results of this expertise were published in an opinion in May 2021 (PDF). Four solutions available in the short term have been identified, as well as 18 means of control that can be substituted for neonicotinoids in the medium term, within two or three years. The immediately applicable solutions are two conventional plant protection products with insecticidal properties, mulching and finally organic fertilization, in order to control nitrogen inputs.
Measures to limit risks for pollinators following the use exemption
Par order of February 5, 2021the Government has granted beet growers a time-limited exemption for the use of coated seeds treated with neonicotinoids (imidacloprid or thiametoxam), in the context of the infestation of beet crops by aphids in Europe.
Anses was contacted by the Government in order to rule on measures which could limit the exposure of bees and other pollinators to neonicotinoids. These measures aim to mitigate the risks associated with the use of neonicotinoids in the year of seeding treated beets but also for subsequent crops. She issued several opinions:
the December 2020 opinion (PDF) concerns crop rotation following beets. On the basis of this opinion, the list of crops that can be sown, planted or replanted in the years following sowing of beets treated with neonicotinoids has been established. It is the subject of an annex in the exemption order; the purpose of the October 2021 opinion (PDF) is to evaluate the level of protection of the so-called mitigation or compensation measures provided for in the derogation to allow the early return of corn and rapeseed crops, while limiting the risks exposure for bees and other pollinators. These measures consist in particular of implementing perimeters of plots not sown with beets treated with neonicotinoids and strips of untreated honey crops around treated crops or following the beets. This notice also contains a complementary list of crops that may be added to the list of crops in the December 2020 notice; the December 2021 notice (PDF) studies the possibility of an early return to the rotation of some of the crops provided for in Annex 2 of the derogation (potatoes, flax (fibrous and oilseeds), peas (protein crops and canned) and honey vegetables), in view of the data available on the presence of neonicotinoid residues in these crops and the use of them by pollinators.
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**Interview with Dr. Marie Dupont, Entomologist and Pesticide Expert**
**Interviewer**: Good morning, Dr. Dupont. Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive into the ongoing discussions around neonicotinoids and their impact on bees. What insights can you share from the recent analyses conducted by ANSES regarding these pesticides?
**Dr. Dupont**: Good morning, and thank you for having me. ANSES has been at the forefront of studying the effects of neonicotinoids not only on bee populations but also on human health. Their assessments have highlighted that while neonicotinoids do pose risks to bees, when used according to the established guidelines, they do not present significant harm to human health.
**Interviewer**: That’s intriguing. You’ve mentioned the risks to bees. What specific recommendations did ANSES provide in response to their findings?
**Dr. Dupont**: In 2016, ANSES advised to tighten the conditions for using neonicotinoids, particularly substances like clothianidin and thiamethoxam, where uncertainty regarding their impact remained. The agency emphasized the need for better regulations to protect pollinators and suggested integrating a variety of pest control methods to mitigate risks.
**Interviewer**: So, what about alternatives to neonicotinoids? Have any effective substitutes been identified?
**Dr. Dupont**: Yes, ANSES has been assessing alternatives since 2016. While they found that 89% of the alternatives identified still depend heavily on other pesticides, they did highlight that at least 78% of analyzed cases had at least one non-chemical alternative. This includes practices like integrated pest management, which combines various control methods to minimize reliance on any single pesticide.
**Interviewer**: That sounds promising. How are these conclusions impacting the agriculture sector, especially regarding crops like beets that have been particularly affected?
**Dr. Dupont**: The situation is complex. Following a spike in the beet yellows virus, the government temporarily allowed the use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds for beet growers to manage the infestation. However, ANSES is urging for the accelerated development of alternative methods. Their latest findings have identified four immediate substitutes and 18 more that can be deployed in the medium term, showing that sustainable pest management is possible.
**Interviewer**: It’s an ever-evolving situation. What would you say is the most critical takeaway for farmers and consumers regarding neonicotinoids and their alternatives?
**Dr. Dupont**: The most crucial takeaway is that while neonicotinoids are effective, they come at a cost to bee health. Farmers need to adopt an integrated approach to pest management, using a combination of methods to minimize risks to pollinators. For consumers, understanding this balance is vital as it leads to healthier ecosystems and sustainable agriculture.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your valuable insights into this important topic.
**Dr. Dupont**: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss these pressing issues.
