Published on 22 May 2025
The bill aiming to reintroduce acetamiprid in France raises a central question: what does science say about the risks to health and ecosystems?
Available scientific data show that, even though acetamiprid is sometimes presented as a “less persistent” neonicotinoid, its effects on human health, wildlife and pollinators are well documented.
An insecticide associated with human health risks
A broad literature review shows that acetamiprid is linked to several toxic effects in mammals, including reproductive, liver, kidney, neurological and immune toxicity (Benchikh et al., 2024).
Studies on exposed children reveal the presence of the metabolite N-desmethyl-acetamiprid in blood, urine and even cerebrospinal fluid, confirming diffuse and systemic contamination (Taira, 2014).
In vitro cellular studies also show that acetamiprid can trigger cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, including alterations in cell viability and increased oxidative stress (Sevim et al., 2021).
From a neurological perspective, research indicates that acetamiprid activates nicotinic receptors in the mammalian brain in a way that is similar to nicotine, raising concerns about its impact on children’s brain development (Nakayama et al., 2019).
Finally, acetamiprid also affects fertility: it alters sperm cells’ ability to fertilise oocytes in in vitro studies (Raj & Joseph, 2015).
Significant ecological impacts
Neonicotinoids are known for their severe effects on pollinators. Acetamiprid, although sometimes presented as less harmful, has been shown to negatively affect bees and bumblebees, notably by disrupting microcolony development and reducing male production at moderate concentrations (Camp et al., 2020).
Other work shows that acetamiprid can alter foraging behaviour and odour detection abilities in bumblebees, disturbing their essential pollination activities (Randhawa, 2024).
In the environment, neonicotinoids, including acetamiprid, are widely found in soils, water, plants, honey and even indoor dust, confirming their diffusion and persistence (Shareefdeen & Elkamel, 2024).
Effects on non-target species
Exposure to acetamiprid leads to physiological alterations in aquatic organisms such as Daphnia magna, with effects on heart rate and detoxification mechanisms (Yang & Liang, 2022).
Exposed rodents also show disrupted neuronal development and reduced neurogenesis, reinforcing the warning signals regarding its impact on vertebrates (Nakayama et al., 2019).
In summary: does reauthorisation pose a danger?
The overall body of scientific evidence indicates that:
- Yes, acetamiprid presents risks for human health, including children, through neurotoxic, reproductive and systemic effects.
- Yes, it is a danger for pollinators, with documented sublethal effects on behaviour, development and productivity.
- Yes, it spreads and persists in the environment, contaminating soils, water and food products.
Science therefore offers no solid basis for claiming that reauthorisation would be without danger.
The “no alternative” argument is not supported, in the sources reviewed, by scientific data demonstrating sufficient safety of acetamiprid.
Sources used
- Benchikh, I., Ziani, K., Gonzalez Mateos, A., & Khaled, B. M. (2024). Non-acute exposure of neonicotinoids, health risk assessment, and evidence integration: a systematic review. Critical Reviews in Toxicology.
- Shareefdeen, Z., & Elkamel, A. (2024). Toxic and Environmental Effects of Neonicotinoid Based Insecticides. Applied Sciences.
- Taira, K. (2014). Human neonicotinoids exposure in Japan.
- Sevim, Ç., Akpinar, E., Tsatsakis, A., Yıldırım, S., & Tzatzarakis, M. (2021). Associations between neonicotinoids metabolites and hematologic parameters among US adults. Agronomy.
- Nakayama, A., Yoshida, M., Kagawa, N., & Nagao, T. (2019). Neonicotinoids impairment of neurogenesis in mouse neonates. Journal of Applied Toxicology.
- Raj, S., & Joseph, B. (2015). Reproductive effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on mouse sperm function and embryonic development. Biology.
- Randhawa, J. (2024). Exposure to insecticide alters bumblebee foraging behaviour. Bulletin of the National Research Centre.
- Yang, C., & Liang, J. (2022). Physiological and metabolic alterations induced by commercial neonicotinoid formulations in Daphnia magna. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.
- Camp, A., Williams, W., Eitzer, B., Koethe, R., & Lehmann, D. M. (2020). Effects of the neonicotinoid acetamiprid in syrup on Bombus impatiens. PLoS ONE.