Bayer CropScience deserves an F for its failed safety record

Dear Bayer CropScience,

I see from the news reports that you are having a bad day. This morning's news reported on a published study linking a Bayer pesticide, even at extemely low levels, to deadly infections in bees. Then, this afternoon the US Chemical Safety Board released a scathing report identifying numerous safety violations that led to an explosion killing two workers in Bayer's West Virginia pesticide manufacturing plant in 2008.

This is no way to do business, Bayer!

The W Va plant explosion, according to the independent investigators, was the result of bypassed safety devices and an inadequate safety review, leading to a runaway chemical reaction inside a 4,500 gallon tank that held hazardous waste from making methomyl, which is used to make the pesticide Larvin. Bayer's response to the report was that safety remains the company's highest priority. How weak.

Today new research from a government scientist showed that Bayer's pesticide called imidacloprid dramatically increased bees' vulnerability to deadly infections. The study led by a well-respected bee expert with the U.S. Department of Agricuture (USDA), Dr. Jeff Pettis, reported that even the most microscopic doses had this effect. A Bayer spokesperson is quoted in the story insisting that its neonicotinoid pesticides, including imidacloprid, are safe for bees when used properly. Unfortunately, this seems highly unlikely.

My condolences go out to the families of the workers whose lives were cut short in this tragic and preventable explosion. Grief and anger fill my heart.

Bayer, please consider cancelling the imidacloprid pesticides. It's probably not the only cause of pollinator (bees, bats, birds, butterflies) decline, but is likely to be a significant contributor.

This month over one million people signed an online petition asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cancel these pesticides. I hope you take the request seriously.

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