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‘Neonic’ pesticides killing bees, harming environment: scientists

Watch the video above: Scientists say they have conclusive evidence that two widely used types of pesticides are killing bees and other insects and harming the environment.

OTTAWA – Scientists say they have conclusive evidence that two widely used types of pesticides are killing bees and other insects and harming the environment.

The panel of 50 scientists comprising the Task Force on Systemic Pesticides says use of the pesticides should be phased out over time.

READ MORE: Study shows pesticides are injuring bees

WATCH: Neonicotinoids, or neonics, have been linked to colony collapse disorder in bees. Mike Le Couteur reports.

But in the meantime they are calling on regulatory bodies to tighten regulations around their use.

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Concerns over the use of neonicotinoids have been raised over the past two decades.

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READ MORE: EU bans pesticides in effort to save bees

WATCH: 16×9 Flight of the bees

But the panel says the combined study of 800 research papers provides conclusive evidence that the pesticides are causing the mass deaths of bees and butterflies, needed to pollinate most crops.

The study also showed the chemicals pose a significant risk to earthworms and birds and are harming the planet’s ecosystem.

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