Massive Bumblebee Die-Off Prompts Temporary Pesticide Ban in OregonAlex Pietrowski Dinotefuran, a popular insecticide found in agricultural, professional and household products is an insecticide of the neonicotinoid class, a class of insecticides widely suspected to be the primary cause of the global bee and pollinator die-off we are witnessing today. Neonicotinoids include a number of other insecticides other than dinotefuran, and have for decades been suspected of being especially dangerous to bees: Neonicotinoids are a relatively new class of insecticides that share a common mode of action that affect the central nervous system of insects, resulting in paralysis and death. They includeimidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam. According to the EPA, uncertainties have been identified since their initial registration regarding the potential environmental fate and effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly as they relate to pollinators. Studies conducted in the late 1990s suggest that neonicotinic residues can accumulate in pollen and nectar of treated plants and represent a potential risk to pollinators. [Beyond Pesticides] To prevent another bee killing, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is also temporarily banning the use of 18 pesticide products. Pesticides containing dinotefuran can no longer be used on plants, or at least not until the ban is lifted. ODA officials said theyre acting in an abundance of caution in issuing the ban. Director Katy Coba said she hopes the decision minimizes the potential for more bee deaths connected to pesticide products while the state continues to investigate and gather information. Fox This is certainly encouraging news, yet oddly enough dinotefuran products and other neonicotinoids will still be available for sale in Oregon and only licensed pesticide applicators will be liable in this ban. Were not trying to get it off the shelves, or trying to tell people to dispose of it, were just telling people not to use it, said Bruce Pokarney, a spokesperson for the department of agriculture. [Oregon Live] The mindset behind this action is telling, especially when considering the gravity of the implications of aglobal collapse in pollinators. If the single largest bee die-off in history, known to have been directly caused by neonicotinoid insecticides, doesnt prompt a more thorough and meaningful ban on the widespread use of these dangerous chemicals, then what will it take? The complete list of temporarily banned products can be seen here: Sources: http://www.kptv.com/slideshow?widgetid=83253 http://blog.beealive.com/2013/07/in-wake-of-massive-bee-kills-oregon.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinotefuran http://www.beyondpesticides.org/pollinators/chemicals.php http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/science/science-a-environmental/43996-in-wake-of-massive-bee-kills-oregon-temporarily-bans-some-pesticide-uses.html Alex Pietrowski is an artist and writer concerned with preserving good health and the basic freedom to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. He is a staff writer forWakingTimes.comand an avid student of Yoga and life. linkwithin_text=Related Articles: 