The Editor,
Re. "Anti-pesticide push coming to Coquitlam" (The Tri-City News, May 18).
A recent article in The Tri-City News contained significant misinformation about the safety and regulation process for pesticides that should be addressed.
When it comes to health and safety, readers should know that before any pesticide can be sold in Canada it must undergo a comprehensive scientific review and risk assessment by Health Canada. In addition to a wide-ranging set of over 200 tests covering health and environmental effects, Health Canada also reviews all additional scientifically credible studies that exist. As part of their safety assessment, Health Canada specifically takes into consideration all demographics of the population, especially children, before approving a product for use.
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.
With such a thorough process in place, there's no question that these products can be safely used.Which is why the allegations made by the Canadian Cancer Society are untruthful and contrary to what the expert scientists at Health Canada have repeatedly stated - that these products are not a health or environmental concern.
The reality is that pesticides used on lawns and gardens are designed as tools to address specific pest problems infesting valuable landscapes. They are not cosmetic at all.
The fact of the matter is the debate about pesticide use continues to be clouded with misinformation and scare tactics time and time again and it's time that readers and residents are given the facts about the rigorous, science-based regulation process for pesticides in Canada to ensure these products are safe for use.
Pesticides can be safely used and Canadians should feel comfortable if they choose to use them.
Lorne Hepworth,President, CropLife Canada
