Prevent Cancer: The Pesticide Connection

A Handout for:
The Cosmetic Use of Pesticides:
An Idea Whose Time Has Gone

“The adverse effects of pesticides on human and ecosystem health are undeniable” -Dr. Warren Bell, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Pesticides have been linked to a variety of cancers. The Canadian Cancer Society is
calling for a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides.

What is a pesticide?
Pesticides are substances intended to kill or otherwise control a pest. They include insecticides to kill insects, rodenticides to kill rodents, herbicides that stop weeds, and fungicides to control fungi. They can be over-the-counter products, or special chemicals not easily available to the public. Examples include insect repellants, pet flea and tick collars, products that kill mold, and weed killers.

The dangers of pesticide exposure.
Some substances in pesticides are classified as known, probable, or possible carcinogens (cancer-causing). There is growing scientific evidence linking pesticide exposure to both adult and childhood cancers. That list includes childhood and adult leukemias, childhood brain cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, neuroblastoma, brain cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and some lung cancers. Young children are at greater risk from the effects of pesticides, due to their underdeveloped immune systems and behaviour.


• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (which conducts research into the causes of cancer), and others, have concluded that some substances in pesticides are known, probable, or possible carcinogens.

• In 2004, the Ontario College of Family Physicians conducted a scientific literature review on the evidence linking pesticides to cancer, and concluded that there is a statistically significant association between pesticide exposure and certain types of cancer (Available at http://www.ocfp.on.ca/local/files/Communications/Current%20Issues/Pesticides/Final%20Paper%2023APR2004.pdf).

• See also Bassil, KL et al. Cancer health effects of pesticides, Systematic review. Canadian Family Physician, 2007; 53:1704-1711, and available at http://www.cfp.ca/cgi/reprint/53/10/1704

• The U.S. National Toxicology Program 11th Report on Carcinogens, 2005 (http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm?objectid=03C9B512-ACF8-C1F3-ADBA53CAE848F635) has classified a number of active ingredients in pesticides as ‘reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen’

• Canadian Medical Association also has a position against the cosmetic use of pesticides. The Canadian Medical Association “urges all levels of government to show leadership by refraining from the cosmetic use of pesticides and aggressively employing safer alternatives to the use of chemicals", which position can be found at http://www.cma.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/53670/la_id/1.htm

The Cosmetic Use of Pesticides
When pesticides are used simply to enhance the appearance of private lawns and gardens, it is referred to as the cosmetic use of pesticides. Since the cosmetic use of pesticides has no health benefit and has the potential to cause harm, the Canadian Cancer Society endorses the use of the precautionary principle, and calls for a ban restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides.

Pesticide-Free Municipalities
Municipalities have the right to pass bylaws restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides. Implementing a cosmetic pesticide bylaw is one very important way that a municipal government can take action to protect the well-being of its citizens. Over 130 Canadian municipalities and one entire province (Quebec) have passed pesticide-restricting bylaws. The Ontario Liberal Party is now calling for a province-wide ban as part of its election platform.

Healthy Alternatives
The good news is that there are numerous alternatives to using pesticides. British Columbians can reduce their exposure to pesticides by:
• Pulling weeds by hand
• Using non-toxic solutions such as herbicidal or insecticidal soap, borax, acetic acid (vinegar), or corn gluten.
• Adopting healthy lawn practices, such as aerating, over-seeding, mowing high, and watering infrequently.
For information on healthy gardening practices visit www.cancer.ca.

Say No to “IPM”

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a term that was originally developed with the goal to use pesticides only as a last resort to deal with weeds and insect problems. However, the term is often used in the landscape industry to defend the right to use pesticides as part of normal lawn and garden care. It is important that British Columbians use sustainable options rather than relying on pesticides for ornamental purposes. Because an IPM approach recognizes the need for a variety of controls, which may include pesticides, IPM should not be integrated into pesticide-free legislation.

Will businesses be hurt because of Pesticide Restrictions?
An argument against pesticide bans comes from businesses in the gardening and landscaping sectors, and pesticide producers. Many of these businesses believe that a ban on non-essential pesticides would damage their revenue, hurting small or mid-size commercial ventures the most.

This fear has not been realized.

When pesticide restrictions are combined with education, the public responds and begins to demand non-toxic alternatives. Many alternatives to pesticides for lawns and gardens are readily available to the average homeowner. Research tells us that, in regions across Canada, from Halifax to Victoria, where pesticide bylaws are, or will soon be, in place, businesses have not only shifted successfully to non-toxic alternatives, but the number of sales and offerings of non-toxic alternatives are growing:

“We have reduced the number of Non-Eco Chemicals and Fertilizers by 8% from 2005 – 2006. More importantly, we have increased our Eco Chemicals and Fertilizers by 29% and next spring, we will increase [these options] by another 27%. As part of our Eco Options strategy, we will also continue to invest more space in Eco friendly products, both in Halifax and across the country.”
(Nick Colwing, former Senior Manager, Communications and External Affairs, Home Depot Canada, in an email on 20/10/06.)

Further, the City of Halifax phased in its legislation from 2000 to 2003. Figures compiled by Statistics Canada show that, from 2000 to 2005, the number of landscaping companies (as well as the number of employees in these landscaping companies) increased 53 % - from 118 to 180.

In January 2007, the Horticulture Review magazine ran an article summarizing business activity in the landscaping business for 2006. The article states that 2006 was one of the most successful years for landscapers in the Toronto area.

In Victoria, the owner of Victoria's Weed Man franchise says he's not worried about the impact on his business. Said Dave Carney, "[a]s a franchise, we're well aware, and we're looking at alternative products out there and we are using them in certain markets, either because we have to or just to see how these alternatives work" (November 21, 2007, Victoria News)

How you can take action?

• Urge your municipality to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides. Let the Canadian Cancer Society support you in making a difference.

• Adopt alternatives to using pesticides in your own lawn and garden.

• Contact a Community Action Coordinator in your area.

- Visit www.cancer.ca
- Call 1-888-939-3333


The Canadian Cancer Society is the nationally respected and trusted voice on all cancer issues. We fund the most research, support the most people, and fight to prevent all types of cancer. www.cancer.ca