A recent commentary, "Beware untested chemicals," inaccurately stated that the insecticide fipronil was banned in Europe and was a contributing factor in the disappearance of bee colonies. This information is not correct and may be misleading about the status and safety of approved uses of fipronil.

Fipronil is a modern insecticide that is effective at low dosages and has a favorable toxicological and environmental profile. Farmers use fipronil-based products in more than 70 countries in more than 100 different crops to secure their harvests. Beyond agriculture, fipronil is an important tool for public health initiatives as it's used to control cockroaches, ants and termites which can carry diseases or damage buildings.

Fipronil is manufactured in Europe and is part of the list of active substances which can be used for agriculture in Europe. In 2007, the thorough evaluation of representative uses for agriculture concluded on the lack of harmful effect on human health and on the environment. Numerous fipronil-based products are authorized for crop, non crop or animal health uses in all European countries. Outside Europe, fipronil-based products are also registered in many countries including the United States, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

As far as honeybees are concerned, the recent European review on representative agricultural uses concluded on the lack of negative effect on foraging bees when used as registered. No cases of bee mortality have been observed involving fipronil-based products when used according to label directions. The decline of honeybee population is a complex issue and scientific experts worldwide are researching possible causes for the observed increased bee mortality. It is recognized that this problem can be related to multiple factors, including Varroa-mite, Nosemaceranae or other diseases as well as the lack of suitable food supply.

Markus Bold

Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Insecticides

BASF Corp.

Research Triangle Park