Dangerous pesticide detected in drinking water: Chemical that attacks the human nervous system is spotted in taps across the US
Neonicotinoids, common pesticides, were found in drinking water across the US
The insecticide has been found to be causing serious harm to the bee population
But the chemicals also attack receptors of cells in the human nervous system
They can overstimulate the body with electric shocks causing paralysis or death
By MARY KEKATOS
DAILYMAIL.COM
5 April 2017
One of the most dangerous pesticides has been found in drinking water, a new study reveals.
Scientists say neonicotinoids, which attack cells in the human nervous system, have been spotted in taps across the US.
The class of insecticides is one of the most commonly used across the country, branded as being safer than other chemicals on the market.
But chronic exposure to the pesticide has been linked in damage to the central nervous system that could result in paralysis or even death.
Neonicotinoids, most of which were released in the 1990s, were designed to be the most environmentally-friendly chemicals on the market and soon became the most widely used, especially in the Midwest.
The compounds don’t just coat leaves and stems but work their way into plant tissue, meaning fewer sprays are needed.
But the neonics, as they are nicknamed, became reputable for being something else – a bee killer, wreaking havoc on insect nervous systems.
Past research has suggested that chronic exposure to the compounds can cause developmental or neurological problems in humans too.
A 2016 study suggested a link between neonicotinoid use and the drop in the bee population that was foraging on the crops treated with the pesticide.
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