Popular herbicide products are threatening bee species according to a new study in the Journal of Applied Ecology. 

The study shows that inert ingredients found in products like Roundup whose active ingredient is the controversial herbicide glyphosate, are highly toxic to bumblebees. Unlike active ingredients like glyphosate, inert ingredients are not subjected to a mandatory set of tests by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The study shows fatal results when bumblebees are exposed to these deadly substances, including some that appear to block the bees’ ability to breathe.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, “The researchers’ finding that the various inert ingredients added to each formulation played a significant role in mortality rates suggests that the EPA’s current practice of just looking at the impacts of active ingredients fails to provide adequate protections.”

We need adequate regulatory agencies that have the capacity to properly assess products that pose hazards to wildlife, public health and the environment.

For the Earth Minute and the Sojourner Truth Show this is Theresa Church from Global Justice Ecology Project.