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.
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.
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New Brunswick to Restrict Use of Pesticides
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N.B. to restrict use of pesticides
But critics say rules covering more than 200 chemicals don't go far enough
By Mary Moszynski
Times and Transcript - Canada, June 19, 2009
Straight to the Source
