Link between diesel fumes and bee health to be probed

A POSSIBLE link between pollution found in diesel fumes and the global collapse of honey bee colonies is to be investigated.

Researchers believe nanoparticles emitted from diesel engines could be affecting bees’ brains and damaging their in-built navigation skills.

They claim this may stop worker bees finding their way back to the hive. There is also a theory that diesel fumes mop up flower smells in the atmosphere, making it difficult for the insects to find food.

Ecology professor Guy Poppy and neuroscientist Dr Tracey Newman from the University of Southampton, think nanoparticles are one of a number of stress factors that could lead to a tipping point in bee health, which could contribute to bee-colony collapse. They will now take part in a three-year study to find out more.

“Diesel road traffic is increasing in the UK and research from the US has shown that nanoparticles found in its fumes can be detrimental to the brains of animals when they are exposed to large doses,” said Mr Poppy.

“We want to find out if bees are affected in the same way.”

Bees are estimated to contribute billions to the world’s economy, £430 million a year to the UK economy alone, by pollinating crops, producing honey and supporting employment, the researchers said.