Wed 11 Jan 2006 The Tri-City News - Letters Pesticides dangerous and not necessary The Editor, Re. "PM pesticide ban in place" (page 5, The Tri-City News, Jan. 6). Congratulations to the city of Port Moody for its continued forward thinking re. the Jan. 1 enactment of the pesticide bylaw. The bylaws that will ban the use of cosmetic pesticides, including herbicides, for killing weeds as well as insecticides that get rid of insects on private land is commendable. The Canadian Cancer Society is also very concerned about the use of potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances for the purpose of enhancing the appearance of, for example, private gardens and lawns as well as parks, recreational facilities and golf courses (ornamental use). We base this concern on the conclusions of the International Agency for Research on Cancer that state that some substances used in pesticides are classified as known, probable or possible carcinogens. Since ornamental use of pesticides has no countervailing health benefit and has the potential to cause harm, we have called for a ban on the use of pesticides on lawns and gardens. When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or to the environment, precautionary measures should be taken, even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. The evidence linking pesticides and cancer is suggestive, and the amount and quality of the research is growing. The Canadian Cancer Society believes appropriate action should be taken to limit the risk to human health. This is especially true when the reason for using pesticides on lawns is to prevent weeds and plants that can be removed in other potentially less damaging ways. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends homeowners consider alternatives to pesticides to improve the appearance of their lawns and to keep their lawns healthy without pesticides. The following actions will help: * Pick or dig out weeds at their root. * Keep lawns adequately watered but not over-watered. Two centimetres of water should be enough to water your lawn, so put a container on your grass when you water to help you measure. * Never cut more than one-third of the height off your grass. Cut your grass shorter in the spring and then raise the blade on your lawnmower as the summer progresses, allowing your lawn to develop strong roots. * Aerate your lawn to allow moisture and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. * De-thatch your lawn if necessary. For more information about why the Canadian Cancer Society has taken this position on the ornamental use of pesticides and how you can reduce your call 1-888-939-3333 or call the community action co-ordinator for the Tri-Cities, Fran Haughian, at 604-215-5469. Fran Haughian Canadian Cancer Society Greater Vancouver Region Copyright 2003 tricity