I am writing to support a pesticide by-law that bans the use of synthetic pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) for the following reasons.These products are remedies for unsustainable gardening practices: our society has become addicted to lawns that require water and fertilizer (and regular mowing). Gardens are part of a broader ecology, and nature has a way of challenging such monocultures with its tendency to “allow” other species to share the space. We will forever be fighting back nature with pesticides until we realize that lawns are not a sustainable practice.The knowledge we have on the impact of these substances on the environment is limited. Those whose livelihoods are tied to these products will selectively use the science that suggests these products are safe. In reality, we don’t know enough to assert this. Our history is full of examples of unexpected shocks notwithstanding the best “science” of the time. The fact is that the industry that produces the chemicals, along with a lawn care sector that is dependent on them for their business practices, are reluctant to change. There are, however, innovative garden care companies that have learned to work in a more ecological manner. This is not about killing an industry, it is about calling their bluff and challenging them to change.We -the public- need to change too! A public education program is a must, and it needs to include balanced information materials, especially at the retail level to help store clerks and buyers become critical thinkers and make informed decisions.Finally, if you have a look at the book “Collapse” by Jared Diamond, you will read how societies that learn to change are the ones that survive. It takes visionary leadership to take a long term view and create the conditions for a society to learn to change. I have reason to believe you will demonstrate that you have such leadership and vision on May 22nd. and will pass such a by-law. RR
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The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment have been campaigning about the dangers of pesticides for years. Their recent outreach video sets out the scientific evidence linking common household pesticides to a variety of serious illnesses, including cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological diseases. This information is from the Ontario College of Family Physicians’ ground-breaking pesticide study and emphasizes safe lawncare alternatives. ( www.cape.ca )
I sincerely hope that you will work together and pass this proposed pesticide by-law tomorrow night. It has been a long time coming. As long time Guelph residents, we are entirely supportive of this approach.Other cities have done their research and realize that the precautionary principle must be applied when public health is at risk. The time is now to pass this by-law. NC & RC~~~~~~~~~~
Please note the following link to a recent progress report (February 9, 2007) on Toronto’s bylaw.
http://www.toronto.ca/health/pesticides/pdf/interim_evaluation_summary_report_02262007.pdfI will be referring to it in my presentation tomorrow night and I thought you may want read it ahead of time. OA
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Pesticide Free Ontario has some good info on bylaws around Ontario: www.pesticidefree.ca/ GM
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Forwarded by MC
Why family doctors support pesticide bylaws
As the weather turns warmer and Markham residents take out their rakes, lawnmowers and canvas gloves, they may want to seek gardening assistance from an unlikely source: their family doctor.
This year, physicians across Ontario are giving advice on how residents should maintain their property and the first thing they’re saying is avoid pesticides — the poisons used to kill weeds and insects — and instead use lawn care methods and products that are non-toxic.
Why do doctors support the phase-out of non-essential pesticides? One reason is the release in April 2004 of a ground-breaking scientific study by the Ontario College of Family Physicians, an association representing more than 7,000 family doctors.
The college’s research — the most comprehensive in Canadian history — showed consistent links between pesticide use and illnesses, such as cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases.
Among the college’s findings:
Ç Associations between pesticide exposure and brain cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer;
Ç Associations between pesticide exposure and birth defects, fetal death and underweight babies;
Ç Pesticides are implicated as a cause of tumours in children;
Ç Increased risk of leukemia (a form of cancer) if children are exposed to insecticides and herbicides used on lawns and gardens.
As well, a 2006 study from the Canadian Pediatric Society –Canada’s premier authority on children’s health — found that 2,4-D (the most common lawn herbicide) is “persuasively linked to cancers, neurological impairment and reproductive problems”.
In a word, doctors are saying, even when used as directed, pesticides can be extremely harmful, both to adults and children.
In fact, the threat they pose is so significant that leading health organizations, including the London Regional Cancer Program, Canadian Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Ontario College of Family Physicians and the Ontario Medical Association (Section on Pediatrics), all support bylaws to prohibit non-essential pesticide use.
These health authorities recognize citizens have a right to maintain their property but they’re urging them to do so without poisons. Fortunately, that’s not very difficult.
Homeowners can control insect pests by using nematodes — naturally occurring microscopic worms that effectively kill grubs and larvae but are harmless to people and the environment.
They can control weeds by aerating soil, applying natural compost, recycling grass clippings, keeping grass long (at least three inches) and overseeding.
Overseeding crowds out unwanted species.
But a pesticide phase-out isn’t supported only by the medical community.
It’s also backed by citizens across the province.
A survey conducted earlier this year by Oracle Poll Research found a prohibition on lawn and garden pesticides is supported by 71 per cent of Ontarians.
And research Oracle did in 2005 shows support in Markham is even higher: A pesticide phase-out is endorsed by 73 per cent of residents.
If toxic lawn products are unsafe and unpopular — and effective non-toxic ones are now easy to obtain — surely it’s time for Markham to pass a pesticide bylaw.
This common sense legislation would prohibit the cosmetic use of pesticides, while still allowing homeowners to destroy harmful pests such as rats, mice, termites and poison ivy.
Across Canada, pesticide bylaws have been passed by more than 125 communities, including Montreal, Peterborough, Toronto, Newmarket and London.