Neonicotinoid metabolites (class) in the yard and garden
Moderate risk for your yardNeonicotinoid metabolites are the breakdown products of the world's most widely used insecticide class. Key metabolites include desnitro-imidacloprid (which may have higher mammalian nicotinic receptor affinity than parent compound), 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CNA, common endpoint), and various hydroxylated/N-demethylated intermediates. Detected in treated produce (USDA PDP data), drinking water, and human urine (CDC NHANES 2015-2016 found detectable levels in >50% of US population). Desnitro-imidacloprid is of particular concern: it binds mammalian nAChRs more potently than imidacloprid itself.
What is neonicotinoid metabolites (class)?
Also known as: Desnitro-imidacloprid, 6-chloronicotinic acid, 6-CNA, Neonicotinoid degradation products.
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Risk for people, pets,
Moderate riskNeonicotinoid metabolites are the breakdown products of the world's most widely used insecticide class. Key metabolites include desnitro-imidacloprid (which may have higher mammalian nicotinic receptor affinity than parent compound), 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CNA, common endpoint), and various hydroxylated/N-demethylated intermediates. Detected in treated produce (USDA PDP data), drinking water, and human urine (CDC NHANES 2015-2016 found detectable levels in >50% of US population). Desnitro-imidacloprid is of particular concern: it binds mammalian nAChRs more potently than imidacloprid itself.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Neonicotinoid metabolites (class). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | 2018 | Metabolites included in MRL definitions for neonicotinoid parent compounds | |
| EPA | 2020 | Metabolites considered in dietary risk assessment of parent neonicotinoids |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where your yard encounter neonicotinoid metabolites (class)
- Food
- Water
- Human Biomonitoring
- Soil
Frequently asked questions
Is neonicotinoid metabolites (class) safe for your yard?
Neonicotinoid metabolites are the breakdown products of the world's most widely used insecticide class. Key metabolites include desnitro-imidacloprid (which may have higher mammalian nicotinic receptor affinity than parent compound), 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CNA, common endpoint), and various hydroxylated/N-demethylated intermediates. Detected in treated produce (USDA PDP data), drinking water, and human urine (CDC NHANES 2015-2016 found detectable levels in >50% of US population). Desnitro-imidacloprid is of particular concern: it binds mammalian nAChRs more potently than imidacloprid itself.
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Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →