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Dr. Margaret Sanborn, coauthor of a literature review on the effects of pesticides on human health published last June by the Ontario College of Family Physicians, was in Montreal earlier this month to explain her findings, on the invitation of the Quebec College of Family Physicians (QCFP), the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and Equiterre.
The review, which considers 142 studies, demonstrates a link between pesticide exposure and various childhood:
- neurodevelopmental diseases
- respiratory diseases
It also shows that children are particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure, especially during pregnancy.
In light of this study, QCFP, CAPE and Equiterre recommend eliminating any exposure of the population – especially children – to cosmetic pesticides.
Quebec is well positioned to take action: the Quebec Pesticides Management Code, which regulates the use of cosmetic pesticides, is currently undergoing revision.
In 2003, Quebec led the way with the first provinical provinical ban on 20 active ingredients of lawn pesticides and a restricted list of pesticides allowed for use in places frequented by children. But Quebec has since fallen behind other provinces. For example, the insecticide permethrin is currently allowed for cosmetic use in Quebec, despite the fact that the Quebec government has identified it as a probable carcinogen. It is banned for cosmetic uses in Ontario, where it can only be used for public safety of health reasons.
Let's make our Pesticides Management Code stronger. Sign the petition (in French only).
