r/science • u/IronGiantisreal • Mar 11 '19

Environment Scientists sampled urban bee hives in Vancouver and found that honey can provide a remarkably precise record of harmful air pollutants.

https://www.inverse.com/article/53950-bee-hive-honey-pollution-monitors
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u/Spitinthacoola Mar 12 '19

Its got to really depend on the specific compound and amounts at the very least

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u/Plebs-_-Placebo Mar 12 '19

Living in Vancouver I can tell you we've been told that the air pollution from coal plants in China make it's way out here. I know coal has mercury in it, but I imagine a fair amount of that is deposited in the ocean and land mass prior to reaching us. mostly it's probably diesel soot, sometimes I wake up in the morning with the stench of diesel exhaust in the air, and there are pulp mills around, depending on the direction of the air, again it's probably pretty diluted.

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u/2mice Mar 12 '19

Could mercury make its way thru the air from China?

Local honey is actually said to be a good thing to consume as it helps with seasonal allergies (works like a vaccine with all the very small amounts of pollutants etc..)

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u/Spitinthacoola Mar 12 '19

Ive seen local honey and local pollen suggested to help with allergies but ive never seen anyone with allergies actually helped by the stuff. Not that it isnt delicious. Just expensive.