Pittsburgh (UPI) Nov 13, 2008 U.S. scientists studying 10 of the world's most popular approved pesticides say, when combined, the chemicals caused 99 percent mortality in tadpoles. University of Pittsburgh researchers said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved pesticides, when mixed together, can decimate amphibian populations even if the concentration of the individual chemicals is within limits considered safe. Such "cocktails of contaminants" are frequently detected in nature, the scientists said, noting their findings offer the first illustration of how a large mixture of pesticides can adversely impact the environment.
University of Pittsburgh researchers said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved pesticides, when mixed together, can decimate amphibian populations even if the concentration of the individual chemicals is within limits considered safe.
Such "cocktails of contaminants" are frequently detected in nature, the scientists said, noting their findings offer the first illustration of how a large mixture of pesticides can adversely impact the environment.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL campaigner has won a landmark legal victory that could change the way pesticides are used. A High Court judge ruled the government had failed to comply with its obligations under a European directive to protect rural residents from possible harmful exposure to toxic chemicals during crop spraying.
A High Court judge ruled the government had failed to comply with its obligations under a European directive to protect rural residents from possible harmful exposure to toxic chemicals during crop spraying.
