Health Canada is proposing a ban on almost all uses of a controversial neonicotinoid pesticide called imidacloprid, saying it is seeping into Canadian waterways at levels that can harm insects and the ecosystem.
Neonicotinoid pesticides, the most widely used class of insecticides in the world … have been allowed in Canada for agricultural and cosmetic purposes.
Health Canada released its draft risk assessment for imidacloprid for public comment. This review doesn’t look at bees — that’s being done in a separate assessment.
“Based on currently available information, the continued high-volume use of imidacloprid in agricultural areas is not sustainable,” the assessment states.
It proposes phasing out all agricultural uses of imidacloprid, and a majority of other uses, over the next three to five years.
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Health Canada is taking public comments on the proposal … until Feb. 17, 2017, and will publish a final decision after that input.
In a statement, Health Minister Jane Philpott said the proposal is an example of science-based decision-making, which the Liberal government had promised.
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