Neonicotinoids

Definition

Neonicotinoids, often abbreviated to neonics, are neurotoxic insecticides. Neonics are the most widely used insecticides in the world and are incorporated into every part of the plant.

Health considerations

Neonics are neurotoxic primarily to arthropods such as spiders and insects, though intake can kill birds and small mammals.

Keep in mind

Neonics residues persist in soil and are often found in soil and water in levels high enough to seriously damage non-pest organisms. Due to persistance in water, neonics spread outside of agricultural areas. Neonics have been strongly associated with the widespread death of bees and colony collapse. Colony collapse poses a serious risk to ecological diversity.

May be found in

Residues in crops, water

References

Task Force on Systemic Pesticides Press Release
Journal of Applied Ecology
Science

Alternative names and spellings

Neonics