The Impact of The Neonicotinoid Pesticide Ban on Crime and Early Education in Agricultural Areas of Sweden

Abstract: In 2013, the European Union banned the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on bee-attractive plants sown between January and June. Neonicotinoids were a popularly used pesticide because pests were not resistant against it. This pesticide acts as a neurotoxin and is known to impact cognitive functioning and behavior as well as lead to short- and long-term health complications in humans and mammals. For Swedish communities living near agricultural areas, it is possible that residents are impacted by constant exposure to micro-amounts of this chemical. With a difference in differences event study design, the likely reduction in ambient neonicotinoid exposure as a result from the ban appears to decrease crime rates over time, but the proportion of 3rd graders who reach a proficient comprehension in math and reading appear unaffected.