Annonymous public comment

It is critical that the EPA shift the tolerance for Thiacloprid from 1.1ppm to 1.0ppm, not simply for the sake of safety, but for food security throughout the country. If possible, it is advisable that the EPA freeze all Thiacloprid use for the time being. While the FFDCA stipulates that “there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue,” the EPA may not have taken into account the vast environmental effects of this pesticide. Though the studies of Thiacloprid indicate that it is not a danger to children, another population remains at-risk: the bees. Agricultural producers, food manufactures, and pesticide manufacturers are not the only people affected by this action; in fact, all Americans may be impacted by the massive bee die-offs. A recent article in The New York Times states that beekeepers overwhelmingly agree that neonicotinoids, which includes Thiacloprid as well as Thiamethoxam, another pesticide whose tolerance is being reviewed, may be causing the immense losses. Studies in Germany and France have linked neonicotinoids with bee losses as well, prompting the EU to recommend a ban of such pesticides. The EPA study suggested that Thiacloprid affects the nerve function and motor functioning of rats. Beekeepers have reported diminished motor function of their bees, which aligns with the results shown in rats. With colony collapse disorder leaving farms with a third less bees, we cannot afford to allow continued use of the chemicals potentially responsible for such a die-off. Dropping numbers of pollinators may cause smaller harvests and heightening food prices. If neonicotinoids are the cause, as many beekeepers and researchers think, bee losses and pollination issues will continue as long as these harmful pesticides remain in use at high volumes. I sincerely hope the EPA will take seriously the mounting research against Thiacloprid, for the sake of all Americans and our future food supply.