Pesticide use critical to our well-being
White Rock politicians got an unexpected response from Fraser Health when seeking comment on pesticides.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: October 01, 2009 4:01 PM
Editor:
Re: No health benefits to pesticide ban: FHA, Sept. 25.
There is no reason for Fraser Health to reconsider its statement affirming that urban pesticides can be safely used.
It is, after all, the same opinion put forward by the 350-plus top-notch health and environmental professionals at Health Canada charged with determining whether a pesticide is safe for use.
The fact is that before any pesticide can be sold in Canada it must undergo a comprehensive scientific review and risk assessment by Health Canada that includes a review of any scientifically credible studies available. Through this process, pesticides receive a greater breadth of scrutiny than any other regulated product and only those products that meet Health Canada’s strict health and safety standards are registered for sale and use.
As a result, Canadians benefit from having a range of tools that help control threats to human health – including mosquito-borne diseases – and to protect private and public properties from insect, weed and/or disease infestations.
Of course, our products are also used by farmers to help to ensure Canadians have a safe and affordable supply of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
Canada’s plant science industry, which includes the manufacturers, developers and distributors of pesticide products, agrees our products should only be used in a responsible manner, according to label directions.
Hopefully with this new information, Coun. Doug McLean will take a fresh look at the critical role these tools play in contributing to our well-being.
Lorne Hepworth, CropLife Canada, Ottawa
v2
