Health unit issues position paper on pesticides

After numerous requests for guidance from community groups and municipalities, the health unit has issued a position paper on the non-essential use of pesticides.

The paper states the health unit will support residents, businesses, agencies and municipalities to eliminate the use of non-essential pesticides and herbicides, and will provide resources to help them implement non-toxic lawn and garden care.

Research into the harmful effects of pesticides on humans is not adequate, especially in the field of the effects on children's developing nervous systems, the report states.

It states, however, that links have been drawn between long term exposure to pesticides and cancers, fertility problems, birth defects and some neurological effects. It concludes that while evidence may not be entirely conclusive, there are grounds for the health unit to encourage precautionary measures in communities in Simcoe and Muskoka.