Pesticide use can be safe and effective

By Lorne Hepworth
The Daily News
January 23, 2012

Re: 'Cosmetic pesticide ban sparked by farm debate' (Daily News, Jan. 13)

This article contained misinformation about the safety of pest control products that are used to help farmers grow their crops and to protect valuable green spaces from insect, weed and disease infestations.

What readers should know is that before any pesticide can be used in Canada, it must first be approved by Health Canada. This process involves a comprehensive set of over 200 tests and a review of all scientifically credible studies that exist to ensure that the product will not cause harm to people, animals or the environment.

Through this process, pesticides receive a greater breadth of scrutiny than any other regulated product. Only those products that meet Health Canada's strict health and safety standards are registered for sale and use. According to Health Canada if pesticides are used according to label directions there is no unacceptable risk.

The fact of the matter is that a ban of pesticide use would prevent residents from using safe and effective tools, approved by Health Canada.

Pesticides help ensure that Canadians have a safe and affordable supply of food thereby contributing to healthier communities and greater well-being and prosperity.

Pesticides can be safely used and residents should be able to use them if they choose to do so.

Lorne Hepworth President, CropLife Canada Ottawa

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