In the news recently there have been reports about pesticide companies putting pressure on the UK government to overturn an EU ban on the use of the systemic pesticides, neonicotinoids, which have been proven to have toxic effects on bees.
The argument is that they are needed to protect crops in areas at risk from flea beetles, as there is no other known alternative method for farmers.
However, for the first time scientists say they are able to provide conclusive evidence that neonicotinoids (neonics) and fipronil, thought to be a less toxic alternative with regards to other species, not only affect bees and pollinators, but a wide range of invertebrates and some vertebrates, including birds.
The research was carried out by the IUCN Task Force Systemic Pesticides (a group of global, independent scientists) who analysed all available literature, including more than 800 peer-reviewed reports.
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