Underscoring health hazards of herbicides.
Missing is the science explaining the environmental health problems associated with lawn pesticide use.
On May 4th, 2009, Derek Spalding wrote in the Nanaimo Daily News about the controversy over the ban of herbicides in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The city has recently banned the cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns, shrubs and outdoor trees.
The ban provoked mixed reactions.
Mr. Spalding thoroughly presented the public opinion of both the supporters and the opponents of the herbicide ban. He also paints a vivid picture of possible economical impact of the new regulations on small business and residential homeowners.
The reporting style of Mr. Spalding commendably omits personal opinion and only includes statements made by people and groups that are impacted by the ban.
The article’s only shortcoming is that he fails to provide the scientific evidence that led to the ban. Health concerns have prompted provinces across Canada – starting with Quebec and Ontario – to ban the sale, production and use of the chemicals for residential lawn care.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, “A broad range of cancers – among them leukemia, lung cancer, brain cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer – are linked to pesticide exposure and the evidence is suggestive and growing. Other diseases like Parkinson's, respiratory illnesses, and some learning disorders are also considered to have a link. Children may be at the greatest risk of such exposure because they often crawl and play on grass.”
One of the most comprehensive studies in Canadian history conducted by the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) showed a consistent link between pesticide use and reproductive and neurological disorders as well as number of cancers. Because of these health concerns and the provincial ban, physicians across Ontario have started to advise their patients on how to maintain their property without using pesticides.
Inclusion of scientific data would highlight the serious environmental health concerns that prompted the ban and put the comments and criticisms of its supporters and opponents in perspective for the reader.
