Walkerton Herald Times Article - Weds., March 23, 2005

by Mary McGeachy

The wicked truth about society’s addiction to quick-fix chemicals to kill lawn and garden pests is impossible to ignore any longer. Here it is folks; cosmetic pesticides are killing us too! 

We’ve got to get our lawns off drugs. The most compelling reason to stop using these poisons is to protect our children. Because they tend to spend more time outdoors, are closer to ground level, have a larger surface area to body mass ratio, and tend to put things in their mouths, small children are much more susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides. Along with the cancers listed below, exposed children can suffer from learning disabilities, behavioural disorders and other developmental delays. Even unborn children and newborns are not safe from the effects of cosmetic pesticides, which accumulate in their mothers’ reproductive systems and breast tissue.

When the Ontario College of Family Physicians released its 2004 review of over 250 studies of the effects of pesticides on the environment and human health, the authors concluded that no level of pesticide exposure is safe. Among the human health problems associated with pesticide exposure are cancers of the brain, breast, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, prostate, thyroid and stomach, as well as leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 2,4-D, one of the active ingredients in Agent Orange, is found in one quarter of all weed killers in Canada. Even the American manufacturer of 2,4-D has admitted that it is a carcinogen.

Local citizens’ groups such as Lake Huron Earth First and the Walkerton Healthy Community Initiative (WHCI) are working hard to bring the truth about cosmetic pesticides to the attention of elected municipal officials and the public. Thousands of informed Canadian homeowners are choosing to stop endangering the health of themselves, their pets and children for the sake of a perfect lawn. This is an excellent sign that cosmetic pesticides, like public smoking will eventually be a thing of the past. However, action is needed on a larger scale to adequately protect public health. The most diligent parents’ intentions can be stymied by drift from a neighbor’s yard, poisoned drinking water, or contaminated playing fields. 

After more than 30 years of inaction, the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency began re-evaluating several pesticides in 1999. Since then fewer than 30 of 405 active ingredients have been re-evaluated. Many are being phased out. It is clearly time to act at the municipal level.

Over 75 Canadian municipalities to date have wisely chosen to restrict or ban cosmetic pesticides. The Province of Quebec has enacted similar legislation. Brockton Council is to be commended for adopting an Integrated Pest Management policy for municipal lands in 2004, which focuses on non-chemical pest controls. 

Public pressure is needed at this time to encourage Brockton Council to adopt a by-law restricting cosmetic pesticide use on residential and commercial properties. The name of Walkerton is synonymous with a deadly environmental disaster. Brockton Council has a moral responsibility now to lead the way in protecting public health. Promoting this municipality as a healthy community would set it apart as a socially and environmentally responsible place to live and work. This is the kind of image that Council should be cultivating if it wishes Brockton to grow and prosper into the future. 

Each of us has a choice. We can either choose to ignore the mountains of scientific evidence and the rising the tide of public opinion, or we can wean ourselves off this lethal addiction to lawn and garden chemicals. In fact, it has never been easier to switch to organic pest control, with plentiful information about alternative practices and a growing number of non-chemical products available on store shelves. Even lawn care companies are responding to consumer demand for non-toxic pest control. 

If you are one of the growing number of informed citizens who care more about people than having a perfect lawn, here are some easy things you can do to encourage Brockton Council to adopt a by-law on pesticides. 
1. Sign the postcard that came in the mail from the WHCI and put it in the municipal drop box. 
2. Phone any or all of the municipal councilors or mayor to show your support for a by-law.
3. Get involved with the WHCI’s efforts. Call Kelly Reid 881-2574 or Alison Rowe 881-2336.


For more information, visit these websites:

http://www.ocfp.on.ca/English/OCFP/Communications/CurrentIssues/Pesticides/default.asp?s=1
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/pesticides/index.htm
http://www.halifax.ca/pesticides/
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/health-environment/pesticides/index.shtml
http://www.cape.ca/toxics/pesticides.html

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