Question: What are neonicotinoids?
Answer: The cited article notes; “Neonicotinoids (neonics) are a class of chemicals used as insecticides for their neurotoxic action on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs). Developed to replace organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, neonics are systemic in design, transfusing into all parts of treated plants, including pollen, nectar, and guttation fluids, and the foods grown by those plants. They are used for pest management across hundreds of crops in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry; in timber conservation and aquaculture; in vector control treatments for pets and livestock; and in urban and household pest control products. They are highly effective against difficult-to-control sucking, boring, and root-feeding insects.” (Cimino AM et al. Effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure on human health: a systematic review. 2017 Env Health Persp 125(2): 155-162)