Danger of Garden Pesticide 2,4-D

According to the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), the garden pesticide 2,4-D is extremely dangerous to human health.

The physicians' group that represents hundreds of medical doctors across Canada says a landmark report from the Ontario College of Family Physicians shows clear associations between pesticides such as 2,4-D and serious illnesses such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"The Ontario College of Family Physicians undertook the most extensive pesticide literature review in Canadian history," said Gideon Forman (L) Executive Director of CAPE.  "The College looked at 27 studies on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 23 showed associations between this cancer and pesticide exposure."

The College's review also found links between pesticide use and leukemia, birth defects and fetal death.

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"Even if the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency approves something such as 2,4-D that is not proof that it is ok to use," says Dr. Kapil Khatter, President of CAPE>  "Leaded gasoline was once government-approved as well and no reasonable person would call leaded gasoline safe.  Cigarettes are another that are approved for sale but are directly known to cause lung cancer."

Many communities have now recognized the health concerns of pesticide use and have banned them and many more Canadians are moving toward their complete ban.  Recent polling in urban centres show strong support for a complete phase-out of non-essential pesticide use.

Gideon Forman will be in Saugeen Shores to speak on June 25th at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Southampton

Also see Pesticide currently used in Saugeen Shores