The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is very concerned about pesticide usage in Canada. Pesticides have been linked to:

· neurological damage in humans,

· a variety of cancers,

· reproductive abnormalities, and

· are of particular concern is their effect on the health of children.

 

What is a pesticide?

Pesticides are substances intended to kill or otherwise control a pest.  They include:

· insecticides to kill insects,

· rodenticides to kill rodents,

· herbicides that stop weeds, and

· fungicides to control fungi. 

They can be over-the-counter products, or special chemicals not easily available to the public.  Examples include insect repellants, pet flea and tick collars, products that kill mold, and weed killers.    

 

The dangers of pesticide exposure.

Some substances in pesticides are classified as known, probable, or possible carcinogens (cancer-causing). There is growing scientific evidence linking pesticide exposure to both adult and childhood cancers.  That list includes:

· childhood and adult leukemias,

· childhood brain cancer,

· non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,

· neuroblastoma,

· brain cancer,

· prostate cancer,

· kidney cancer,

· pancreatic cancer, and

· some lung cancers.

Young children are at greater risk from the effects of pesticides, due to their underdeveloped immune systems and behaviour.

 

The Cosmetic Use of Pesticides

When pesticides are used simply to enhance the appearance of private lawns and gardens, it is referred to as the cosmetic use of pesticides.  Since the cosmetic use of pesticides has:

·  no health benefit and

· has the potential to cause harm,

The Pesticide Free CRD endorses the use of the precautionary principle, and calls for a ban restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides.

 

Say No to “IPM”

 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a term that was originally developed with the goal to use pesticides only as a last resort to deal with weeds and insect problems.   However, the term is often used in the landscape industry to defend the right to use pesticides as part of normal lawn and garden care.  It is important that British Columbians use sustainable options rather than relying on pesticides for ornamental purposes.  Because an IPM approach recognizes the need for a variety of controls, which may include pesticides, IPM should not be integrated into pesticide-free legislation. 

 

See how you can help in our take action centre.

 

Frequently Asked Questions