Editor:

Re: Debate over health, pesticides, Oct. 2

Most people do not become noticeably ill when their neighbour sprays the garden, but I do.

An immune disorder renders me susceptible to levels of toxic chemicals that pose no obvious or immediate problem for healthy people. To people like me, or those with asthma or anyone who gets a headache or difficulty breathing because of pesticide or herbicide spray, studies cited by pesticide supporters don’t mean much.

Scientists, politicians and businessmen will argue the long-term health effects of these products as long as there is profit to be made. Meanwhile, people like me stay inside and close the windows when these chemicals are sprayed... as long as we get a warning.

I am extremely grateful for the kindness of people living near me who don’t use chemical pesticides, or who let me know before spraying their yard. It’s the neighbourly thing to do.

I hope anyone who sprays chemical pesticides – whether or not it is prohibited – will inform neighbours with young children or vulnerable family members.

Arlene Rubin, Ocean Park

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Kudos to White Rock mayor and council for their unanimous final adoption of a cosmetic pesticide bylaw on public and private lands. They have chosen healthy children and pets over toxic lawns.

Especially in politics, actions speak louder than words.

Mel Tomiyama, Surrey

• • •

On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon Division, thank you to the City of White Rock for adopting Bylaw No. 1864, which will reduce unnecessary citizen exposure to lawn and garden pesticides.

The bylaw will ban the cosmetic use of pesticides on residential and city-owned property, and favours public health and the environment over a weed-free lawn.

The city has also begun to offer pesticide education opportunities, such as the pesticide drop-off events at the White Rock Farmers Market this September. 

Thank you also to the citizens and community groups of the Surrey-White Rock Pesticide-free Coalition who have supported this healthy public policy.

The City of White Rock will now join three provinces, more than 150 municipalities across Canada, and 22 municipalities in B.C. that have banned the cosmetic use of pesticides.

This fall is the perfect time to start your pesticide-free gardening.

For more information on alternatives to pesticide use visit: www.cancer.ca or www.toronto.ca/pesticides

Brita Colero, Canadian Cancer Society, Fraser Valley Region