Tag: pesticides
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Pesticide Exposure Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease
By Robin Lally Scientists have known for more than 40 years that the synthetic pesticide DDT is harmful to bird habitats and a threat to the environment. Now researchers at Rutgers University say exposure to DDT—banned in the U.S. since 1972 but still used as a pesticide in other countries—may also increase the risk and…
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Pesticides Commonly Found on U.S. Produce Raise Flags for European Food Regulators
The decision by Europe’s top food safety agency to call for new restrictions on two pesticides common on conventionally-grown U.S. produce because they “may affect the developing human nervous system” in young children underscores the danger of reliance on pesticides, Environmental Working Group (EWG) said today. [caption id="attachment_315867" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo courtesy of Shutterstock[/caption] The two chemicals, acetamiprid…
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Pesticides to Blame for UK’s Declining Turtle Dove Population
Unless regulators take action, one of the gifts in the lyrics to “Twelve Days of Christmas,” the turtle dove, may become extinct. The dove has experienced major population decline in England over the past 20 years, due in significant part to the destruction of turtle dove habitat and food sources from increasing herbicide use in English agriculture. [caption id=”attachment_315053″ align=”alignnone”…
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Kauai Council Overrides Veto to Mandate Disclosure of Genetically Modified Crops
Kauai has a ground-breaking new law that mandates disclosure of pesticide use and the presence of genetically modified crops by agrochemical companies on the Hawaiian island, and establishes buffer zones between these operations and schools, hospitals and residential areas. Kauai County Council on Saturday voted 5-2 to override a mayoral veto of the bill, which council…
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Connecticut-Sized Dead Zone Found in Gulf of Mexico
This area is called “the dead zone” because dissolved oxygen levels are too low to support life. Animals that can move out of the area, like fish and shrimp, will leave, and animals that can’t, like brittle stars …