Lawn pesticide ban needed

Re: A ban on the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides

For too long, the B.C. government has been putting the health of British Columbians at risk. There is considerable scientific evidence that warrants a precautionary approach to pesticide use. The evidence links pesticide exposure to asthma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, brain cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, Parkinson's disease, and leukemia.

Our children are at a higher risk due to their rapidly developing bodies.

Cosmetic pesticides are used to improve the appearance of lawns and gardens by controlling unwanted weeds and plants. They can contain toxic chemicals that are cancer-causing. When pesticides are used in this way, it is referred to as cosmetic (non-essential) use of pesticides.

As a family member of someone who has died after an intense battle with leukemia and one that is in recent remission from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, promoting public awareness and petitioning for a strong legislation in British Columbia that will ban the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides is vital to me.

In 2010, the B.C. government should seize the opportunity to demonstrate national leadership by adopting the strongest cosmetic pesticide ban in Canada that eliminate these harmful agents from our lawns, gardens, sports fields, playgrounds and recreation areas. Not only will it be helping to prevent cancer in children and adults, we will be promoting a sustainable environment at the same time.

There are an increasing number of viable, non-toxic alternatives that exist. There is no longer a need to use cosmetic pesticides to enhance the look of lawns and gardens. People living in B.C. deserve to live in a community that is safe and non-hazardous - not in a community where their health is at risk.

You can protect yourself and those you love. The Canadian Cancer Society has published a list of these ingredients common in pesticides at www.cancer.ca. Join the fight from the exposures of cosmetic pesticides by writing to your MLA and avoid products that have harmful chemical ingredients.

Justin Sandhu

Prince George