April 22, 2009, Toronto, Ont. – Today – Earth Day – marks the first day of Ontario’s new cosmetic pesticide ban.
April 22, 2009, Toronto, Ont. – Today – Earth Day – marks the first day of Ontario’s new cosmetic pesticide ban.
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| Preparing to apply pesticides. |
More than 80 ingredients and 250 products are now prohibited from sale and cosmetic use in the province, except in farming, forestry and for health and safety reasons. Golf courses can also use pesticides but must meet certain conditions.
CropLife Canada has been highly critical of the ban, describing it as “ill-conceived.” Association president Lorne Hepworth believes the legislation will not have the positive impacts to human health or the environment that the provincial government is claiming.
Quebec has also imposed pesticide use restrictions and the federal government is currently facing a lawsuit from Dow AgroSciences, which manufactures 2,4-D. The weed killer has been banned by both Ontario and Quebec despite being deemed safe by Health Canada. Dow is arguing that Quebec’s rules violate Canada’s trade obligations as it prohibits a product without any scientific basis. The company is seeking $2 million in damages.
Dow has not announced whether it will pursue legal action against Ontario.
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