Have Your Say About Cosmetic Pesticide Use in BC
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Image by Michelle Tribe
It's Decision Time for the BC Government on Banning Cosmetic Pesticide Use
The BC government has set up a Special Committee to consider banning cosmetic pesticide use (*) on lawns and gardens, and it's looking for your opinion. The issue (which should seem straightforward) is made more complex because all three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal) are involved in regulating the sale and use of pesticides.
(*)The term ‘pesticide’ includes: insecticides (used to control bugs), fungicides (used to control molds and fungi) and herbicides (used to control weeds).
The benefits of a Province-wide ban (Vancouver already has its own) are a set of consistent rules and fewer chemicals in the environment.
Cosmetic pesticide use is often thought of as an environmental issue, with an estimated 95% of pesticides failing to reach their target and instead being interspersed through the environment. But studies also indicate it is very much a public health issue, particularly for our kids.
The Canadian Cancer Society says some pesticides cause cancer and other serious illnesses, including reproductive problems and neurological diseases. They also point out the belief that pesticide use should be up to individuals is scientifically incorrect, as stated by the US National Toxicology Program: “Once dispersed, pesticides affect non-target plant, animal and human health in our shared environment.”
Pesticides Can Harm Pets
The sign in the background reads: "Warning: Pesticides Applied." (Image: Mikkelz)
If that’s not enough to convince you, the SPCA also points out that pesticides affect our pets. The herbicide ingredient 2,4-D has been linked to canine malignant lymphoma, while the Journal of the American Veterinary Association has reported an increased risk of bladder cancer in dogs exposed to lawn and garden pesticides.
Going Pesticide Free
A beautiful garden grown without the use of cosmetic pesticides. (Image: Sue Richards)
Several environmental and gardening websites offer tips on going pesticide free and it’s really not that hard. So let the government know what you think. The public comment period is open until December 16, 2011.
Any PROHIBITION of pest control products is NOT JUSTIFIED because STRICT REGULATIONS based on scientific research already PROTECT our health and our environment.
ALL PROHIBITIONS are 100 per cent Politically-Based and 0 per cent Science-Based.
The MAJOR SOURCE of exposure to pest control products is from FOOD SUPPLY, and NOT the Urban Landscape.
PROHIBITION is NOT necessary, and has led to CARNAGE.
In jurisdictions like Ontario, PROHIBITION led to the DEATH of an elderly man who was forced to hand-pull TOXIC NOXIOUS WEEDS.
In jurisdictions where PROHIBITION has been IMPLEMENTED, the Professional Lawn Care Industry has SUFFERED IMMENSE LOSSES, in the HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
Moreover, because of PROHIBITION, green spaces are OVER-RUN WITH WEEDS, INFESTED WITH INSECTS, and DISMALLY DESTROYED ― they look like GARBAGE DUMPS.
PROHIBITION is NOT NECESSARY because, overall, when pest control products are used properly, there are NO harmful irreversible effects to health and the environment !
Incredibly, some jurisdictions ARBITRARILY PROHIBIT pest control products.
In fact, pest control products are ...
● Health-Canada-Approved
● Federally-Legal
● Safe For Children *
● Scientifically-Safe
● Practically-Non-Toxic
● Good for the Environment
* Except when stored improperly in the home.
Furthermore, pest control products ...
● Cause No Harm
● Do Not Cause Cancer
● Do Not Run-Off Into Lakes and Streams
● Enhance the Urban Landscape
Quebec Could NOT Validate PROHIBITION
In 2004, Quebec became the first province to ARBITRARILY IMPOSE the PROHIBITION of pest control products like 2,4-D.
Pest control products are SCIENTIFICALLY SAFE and prohibitions are now IRREFUTABLY INVALIDATED.
On May 25th, 2011, Dow AgroSciences, the manufacturer of the pest control product 2,4-D, SETTLED THE NAFTA CHALLENGE CASE with the Canadian government.
The North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, is an agreement signed by the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a tri-lateral trade block in North America.
2,4-D has been used for the control of broad-leaved weeds in the Urban Landscape SINCE 1946.
2,4-D has a 65-YEAR UNBLEMISHED SAFETY RECORD regarding long-term risk to health.
As part of the agreement, a VICTORY for the company, the GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC was HUMILIATED into making a STATEMENT saying that …
« 2,4-D DOES NOT POSE AN UNACCEPTABLE RISK to human health or the environment. »
Quebec was the first province to declare weed control products containing 2,4-D as POSSIBLY carcinogenic, which has now been DEEMED AS FALSE.
On that basis, municipalities in Quebec instituted NEEDLESS, SENSELESS, and MALICIOUS PROHIBITIONS of 2,4-D use as a lawn pest control product.
Other jurisdictions outside of Quebec also CONSPIRED to IMPOSE the Anti-Pesticide PROHIBITIONS of 2,4-D under the PRETEXT that it was a so-called carcinogen.
In fact, ABSOLUTELY NO regulatory body in the world classifies 2,4-D as a human carcinogen ― 2,4-D is probably the MOST STUDIED and BEST UNDERSTOOD of ANY chemical ― not just pesticide ― in existence.
2,4-D DOES NOT POSE AN UNACCEPTABLE RISK to human health or the environment.
We are living in the DARK AGE OF ANTI PESTICIDE TERRORISM where sound science is trumped by FAKE SCIENTISTS, JUNK SCIENCE and UNVERIFIABLE SECRET EVIDENCE through FABRICATION, INNUENDO, and INTERNET RUMOUR ― scientific research PROVES that pest control products CAUSE NO HARM and can be USED SAFELY.
WILLIAM H. GATHERCOLE AND NORAH G
National Organization Responding Against HUJE that seek to harm the Green Space Industry ( NORAHG ).
http://pesticidetruths.com/
You must already have brain cancer if you are this stupid. Why don't you drink the pesticide with your coffee if you are so PRO - Pesticide.
The government must have you drinking their "purple Kool-Aid" so why not have a sip of pesticide daily since you have all your statistics in place?
What a complete waste of human space on this planet - I didn't see your name - another complete hiding of your "self".
It would be a better more improved use of time for the other billions of humans that DO NOT use PESTICIDE and are against it's use.
Enjoy your morning sip!
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