"Systemic pesticides have become popular because they're so effective. Since they are absorbed by the plant, either through seed treatment or spray, the whole plant becomes toxic to insects. That means they don't need to be reapplied like traditional pesticides, saving time, money and exposure to humans. But it also means that the chemicals get into the pollen and nectar. Before farmers started using systemic pesticides, beekeepers were always on the front line of the chemical warfare in agriculture, and farmers agreed not to spray when plants were in bloom to prevent exposure to bees. Now, with systemic pesticides, the chemical is in the bloom. So bees searching for nectar now can come into contact with pesticides too.
Chemical companies and the EPA maintain that it's about dosage -- as long as chemical use is at safe levels there will be no problem. But there are concerns. Number one -- beekeepers are worried because the chemical companies are the ones testing their products for safety. Not the EPA. As one beekeeper told us, it's like the fox designing the best chicken coop. Also, independent scientists are now convinced no one really knows what that safe level is when it comes to long-term impacts on honey bees - not the EPA, not industry, and at this point, not even the independent scientific community. And it appears that the EPA hasn't made this a priority."
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