Neonicotinoids (imidacloprid / clothianidin)
Toxins · Neurotoxic insecticide
Moderate priority
What this is
Ecological rather than direct human toxicity is the main concern — pollinator decline has food-system implications. Cage & Nail 2020 and similar studies suggest emerging human developmental signal. Banned in EU outdoor use since 2018 but still heavily used in US. Household consumer use (Bayer Advanced lawn products) is a controllable exposure.
Mechanism
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists; systemic insecticides — absorbed throughout plant; major pollinator toxicity driver; widespread seed treatments on corn/soy; human neurodevelopmental concerns emerging
Dose & route
Limited individual control — vote with your wallet/vote
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30948792/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32956732/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6326547/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.