Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
A social media video claims that honeybee exposure to aluminum grew by 800 percent in 2022. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook video posted by the Holistic Health page claims that everyone should worry about bees being exposed to aluminum 🐝. The reason might be climate change.
We have attached the screenshot of the post below:
Fact Check
Is it correct that honeybees are getting exposed to aluminum?
It seems so. There is some evidence suggesting that honeybees might be exposed to aluminum due to various environmental sources. Aluminum is naturally abundant in the Earth’s crust and can be found in soil, water, and air. Human activities such as mining, agriculture, and industrial processes can also release aluminum into the environment.
Research has indicated that bees could potentially come into contact with aluminum through sources like contaminated water, soil, or plants. But the extent of the exposure and its effects on bee health were still being investigated.
Is it true that honeybee exposure to aluminum grew by 800 per cent in 2022?
No, it is not true that honeybee exposure to aluminum grew by 800 per cent in 2022. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Also, we researched but could not find the original source of the claim. In fact, a study published in the PLOS journal found that there was no significant difference in the levels of aluminum exposure between honeybees collected in 2015 and those collected in 2019.
In another study published in PLOS journal bumblebees were found to be contaminated with aluminum. However, this study did not take honeybees into consideration. Also, it did not show the measurements that led to an increase or decrease in aluminum. Moreover, the authors further stated that they lacked comparative data at the time of publication.
Besides this, the claimed video further shows visible trails left behind by aircraft in the sky. They are commonly referred to as chemtrails by conspiracy theorists. These trails allegedly contain harmful chemicals or substances, including aluminum. Although it is not clearly mentioned in the Facebook post. However, the graphics depict that aluminum from chemtrails is increasing aluminum in bees. It is important to know that chemtrails do not increase aluminum in bees.
Dr Sumit Aggarwal, Scientist D and Program officer, Division of Epidemiology & Communicable Diseases at the ICMR, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and family welfare, GOI informs, “The claim originates from a Natural News article on February 25, 2023, referencing a 2019 study in Environmental Science & Technology. This study found aluminum exposure affects honeybees negatively. However, the study doesn’t connect honeybee aluminum exposure to an 800 percent rise in 2022. It focused solely on 2014 data. The assertion of an 800 percent increase in honeybee aluminum exposure in 2022 is misinformed. The study didn’t support this claim, lacking evidence”.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
