A pesticide is a chemical or microbiological substance that is designed to kill pests.
Pesticides by definition are toxic because they poison the pest. Pesticides include
insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides. Common examples are
RoundUp, Killex, and 2,4-D. Lawn pesticides do not prevent pest problems; they only try
to control them once they are present.
Exposure
Pesticides are all around us. They can be found in our soil, air, food, and even mother’s
breast milk1. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan residents have the highest
percent use of lawn and garden pesticides in Canada. In 1994, 37% of Saskatchewan
residents used lawn and garden pesticides, which has increased to 46% in 2007.2
Comparing this to the national average of 31% in 1994 and 25% in 2007, the use of lawn
and garden pesticides in Saskatchewan has not followed the national trend.3 As a
result, residents of Saskatchewan have a higher risk of exposure to lawn and garden
pesticides.
1 Natural Resources Defense Council (March 2005). Health Milk, Health Baby; Chemical Pollution and Mother’s Milk.
[www.nrdc.org/breastmilk/] Retrieved on January 30, 2013 2 Statistics Canada (February 2008) Households and the Environment Survey 2006. Catalogue No. 11-526-X.
[http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-526-x/11-526-x2007001-eng.pdf] Revisited on February 26, 2013
3 Statistics Canada (July 2009) Households and the Environment Survey 2007. Catalogue No. 11-526-X.
[http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-526-x/11-526-x2009001-eng.pdf] Revisited on February 26, 2013
Human Health
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has identified acute health
effects in humans from the use of pesticides that include nausea, eye, skin, respiratory
and throat irritation, muscle spasms, and even death4. In 2012, the Ontario College of
Family Physicians released its finding on pesticides and the adverse risks they pose to
human health. Their review of current scientific data shows consistent links to serious
illnesses such as cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases5. Children
are most at risk as they typically play in grass and dirt, and put toys and hands in their
mouths, activities that significantly increase their exposure to pesticides.
Pesticides are used more often then you may realize. You and your family can come
into contact with pesticides in many ways, including:
· Pesticides used in and around our homes and gardens · Pesticides used on our pets · Pesticides used in our communities and in our environment · Pesticides used on our food · When we work with pesticides
Health risks associated with pesticides depend on the toxicity of the active pesticide
ingredients and the amount of exposure to those pesticides. In addition, pregnant
women are more sensitive to the effects of pesticides. During pregnancy, the baby’s
brain, nervous system, and organs are developing rapidly and can be more sensitive to
the toxic effects of pesticides.6
4 Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (November 18, 2010). What kinds of health effects are associated with pesticides? [http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/pesticides/health_effects.html]. Revisited on January 31, 2013
5 Ontario College of Family Physicians (2012). 2012 Systematic Review of Pesticide Health Effects.
[www.ocfp.on.ca/docs/pesticides-paper/2012-systematic-review-of-pesticide.pdf] Retrieved on January 30, 2013.
6 National Pesticide Information Center (October 2012) Pesticides and Human Health.
[npic.orst.edu/health/humhealth.html]. Revisited on February 12, 2013
How to Protect You and Your Family
· Pesticides are toxic. Be aware of when they are sprayed in your community, school
yards, sports fields, parks, golf courses, and public green spaces.
· Do not use pesticides on your own lawn and garden. · Ensure items such as children’s toys, pet’s bowls, clothing, and food are put away
before pesticides are applied by you, your neighbour, or a lawn care specialist.
· Keep kids and their toys indoors when pesticides are being applied and afterward. · Reduce your exposure to pesticides. Ask questions and be informed regarding
precautions, warnings, and wait times.
· Read the label first!If you are using pesticides on your lawn or garden, make sure to
select the appropriate product for your problem and follow proper health and safety
procedures.
· Do not spray your pets. · Get involved!Work with community organizations to reduce pesticide use in your community.
· Check if your lawn care company offers alternatives to pesticide management
approaches that are pesticide-free.
Remember
“Chemical pesticides are not a cure-all. Insects and weeds will never be eradicated.
One no-cost, no-effort substitute to pesticides is to develop a certain level of tolerance
for some weeds and other pests”.7
To learn more about alternatives to using pesticides, please visit the
Saaskatchwan Environmental Society website or pesticidefreeforlife.ca
-Brett
