Cancer society calls for pesticide ban consultation
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The Canadian Cancer Society B.C. and Yukon is calling on the provincial government to accelerate its plans and initiate a defined and timely public consultation on the use of cosmetic chemical pesticides.
In the August 2009 Speech from the Throne, the B.C. government made a commitment to initiate public consultation regarding new statutory protections to safeguard the environment from cosmetic chemical pesticides.
“We have waited long enough for the provincial government to act on this public health threat,” said Barbara Kaminsky, society CEO. “It is important that the consultations begin as soon as possible and not go on for a long period of time.”
Cosmetic pesticides are used to improve the appearance of lawns and gardens by controlling unwanted weeds and plants. They can contain toxic chemicals that are cancer-causing.
“Research demonstrates a growing link between pesticides and an increase risk of cancer,” said Kaminsky. “There is also overwhelming public support for a ban on the sale of cosmetic chemical pesticides and that is why we need the B.C. government to act.”
More than 20 B.C. municipalities have adopted bylaws banning cosmetic pesticides.
In the coming weeks, the society will begin asking retailers who have not voluntarily agreed to stop selling chemical cosmetic pesticides, to adopt policies to do so.
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