European body says pesticides could harm human brains

The European Food Safety Authority has proposed lowering exposure levels for two neonicotinoid chemicals found in pesticides, after research showed they may affect nervous system development.

Neonicotinoids are chemicals that make the entire plant poisonous to pests and are widely used across the world.

The two neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and acetamiprid, according to the report, may "adversely affect the development of neurons and brain structures associated with functions such as learning and memory." Young rats exposed to imidacloprid suffered brain shrinkage, weight loss and reduced movement.

Previous research has linked that these nicotine-like pesticides to a rapid drop in bee populations.

In April, a moratorium was placed on some of these chemicals by the EU, against the opposition of the U.K. But now the EFSA has come out and asked that acceptable exposure levels be lowered until further research is conducted.

The EU wil now ask companies involved in the production of these chemicals for their feedback and will work to reduce the recommended exposure levels. While the agency agrees that the findings have their limitations, they said that the health concerns raised are legitimate.

The findings of the study have been published in PLOS ONE.

[EFSA] [BBC] [PLOS ONE]