Health Canada to consult on plan to manage agricultural uses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid to protect aquatic insects

Special reviews for two other neonicotinoids launched based on similar concerns

OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - When it comes to regulating pest control products, protecting the health and safety of Canadians and their environment is a priority for the Government of Canada.

Health Canada regularly reviews all pesticides to make sure they continue to meet modern health and safety standards. Neonicotinoid pesticides have been approved in Canada for many years and replaced older pesticides that had much greater risks to health and the environment.

As part of the regular review process, Health Canada has now completed its re-evaluation of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid, and has published its draft risk assessment for public comment. The assessment proposes that current use of imidacloprid is not sustainable, and the levels of this pesticide that are being found in waterways and aquatic environments are harmful to aquatic insects, such as mayflies and midges, which are important food sources for fish, birds and other animals.

To address the risks identified, Health Canada has also published a proposed risk management plan for public comment, which includes a proposed three-year phase-out of agricultural uses of imidacloprid in order to address risks to aquatic insects. In some cases, where there are no alternative pest control products available, a longer phase-out transition period of five years is being proposed.

We are consulting on these proposed mitigation measures, and the final re-evaluation decision and risk management plan will take into consideration any comments received during the consultations. The consultation phase includes a 90-day commentary period in addition to a multi-stakeholder forum that would discuss any proposals for potential alternative mitigation strategies that would achieve the same outcomes in a similar timeframe. However, any proposals for continued registration would need to clearly demonstrate concrete actions that would ensure that levels of imidacloprid in water would be reduced below the level of concern.

Based on the findings of the re-evaluation assessment on imidacloprid, the Department is also launching special reviews for two other widely used neonicotinoids, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. These special reviews will examine any potential risks these pesticides may pose to aquatic invertebrates, including insects, as they are also being detected frequently in aquatic environments.

Health Canada will continue to follow the evidence on neonicotinoid use and will act when necessary to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment. The Department is committed to keeping Canadians informed about this issue and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Quick Facts

• In recent years, Health Canada identified and worked to address risks to bees and other pollinators from this class of pesticides. The Department's neonicotinoid re-evaluation efforts on potential risks to pollinators have reduced the environmental risks of neonicotinoids. Since Health Canada introduced mandatory mitigation measures on treated corn and soybean seed in 2014, the number of incidents reported at the time of planting has decreased by up to 80%.
• Health Canada has determined that concentrations of imidacloprid in surface water can range from non-detectable to, in some rare cases, levels as high as 11.9 parts per billion. Scientific evidence indicates that levels above 0.041 parts per billion are a concern.

Quotes
"Today's announcement follows a detailed science-based evaluation and demonstrates our Government's commitment to evidence-based decision-making. Health Canada is taking the findings of the re-evaluation of this pesticide seriously, and is taking action to further protect the environment."
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

Associated Links
Proposed Re-evaluation Assessment for Imidacloprid 
Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam Special Reviews 
Backgrounder – Neonicotinoids FAQs 
Pollinator Protection 
Update on the Neonicotinoid Pesticides

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media

SOURCE Health Canada

Andrew MacKendrick, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, [phone]; Health Canada, Media Relations, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709