A University of Connecticut report combining two decades of data with recent tests reveals widespread contamination of the state’s surface and groundwater by neonicotinoids, insecticides linked to falling populations of birds, bees and other pollinators.
The report, by UConn’s Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, adds to the
growing body of research and evidence that neonicotinoid insecticides are finding their way into
streams and rivers from turf grass including lawns and golf courses as well as from agricultural
uses. In addition to the connection to pollinator and bird declines, neonics also pose a health
risk to humans.
Connecticut has a bill this year before the legislature to end some high harm, low benefit uses of neonics to help protect bees, butterflies, river insects, birds and people. For more information about the bill and how to support it if you live in Connecticut, visit CT Pesticide Reform.
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