But critics say rules covering more than 200 chemicals don't go far enough

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By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff

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FREDERICTON - The provincial government is restricting the use and sale of more than 200 over-the-counter pesticides, although accredited lawn-care companies will still have access to some of the chemicals.

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Collins

Environment Minister Roland Haché announced the changes will take effect this fall and will ban the use of all products containing 2-4-D, unless it's being used on a golf course. The herbicide has been linked to cancer.

The ban will focus on products that are over-used, such as combination fertilizer-pesticide products, granular spreadable weed killers, hose-end products and pesticides that require measuring, mixing or dilution by a homeowner, said Haché.

Moncton East Liberal MLA Chris Collins said the changes will create safer communities for families.

Collins has been advocating for a pesticide ban for years, pushing for government to recognize the link between pesticides and cancer.

"I think (the changes) will substantially reduce the amount of tonnage of toxins and distribution of product where children play. I think it really is going to be effective and will make a difference in the health of New Brunswickers," he said.

The new regulations will also require integrated pest management companies, which use pesticides, to go through a new accreditation process by 2010.

Government also said companies must reduce "blanket spraying" and instead focus on "spot-spraying" of troubled areas on lawns.

Although the changes are being made through regulations, Haché said the province's legislation will be reviewed within two years' time. The restrictions don't apply to agriculture or forestry operations.

But the changes won't keep pesticides and herbicides off of lawns entirely.

Pesticides will still be allowed to be sprayed on parks, sports fields, school yards and hospital grounds. While Haché said the use of pesticides on public spaces will be restricted, it's unclear which chemicals will be allowed and whether they will have to be applied by an accredited company.

As well, lawn-care companies will still have access to some of the 200 over-the-counter pesticides, as long as they don't contain 2-4-D.

Gideon Forman, of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, said New Brunswick's ban doesn't go far enough.

Forman said New Brunswick should follow the lead of Ontario, which bans the use of spot-spraying. Chemicals used in spot-spraying can travel into water and harm people and animals, Forman added.

"We believe New Brunswickers deserve the strongest possible protection from toxic chemicals," he said. Forman also questioned why golf courses would be exempted from the ban on 2-4-D, saying "it's just a game, after all."

But John Evans, president of Landscape N.B., said many of the new changes make sense.

Evans said the association has been asking government to ban over-the-counter pesticides for years. Only accredited companies should be allowed to spray pesticides, he said.

"Do I believe these products are unsafe?," he said. "Absolutely not. But as with anything, if used improperly there can be hazards. That's why we wanted it taken out of the hands of the novice."

Evans also praised the accreditation requirements, saying informed integrated pest management companies reduce the need for pesticides because they promote preventative measures.

"Rather than just going in and spraying the symptom, we want to figure out why does that weed keep going there? Why do the insects keep coming back?" he said, adding companies only spot spray what's required.

It's unclear what fines New Brunswickers will face if found breaking the regulations, although Collins and Haché said the regulations will be strictly enforced.