Health Concerns

There is a great deal of debate over the human health risk posed by pesticides. Clearly, pesticides are by their very nature designed to kill, and if improperly used, can be acutely toxic to humans. However, the long-term effects of low-level exposure to pesticides in the home, and the environment, is less well understood. What is known is that many common pesticides have been linked to reproductive problems and the formation of cancers in other species.

The following major medical associations in Canada have come out with position statements on pesticides and health:

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment: Pesticides

Canadian Cancer Society: Ornamental Use of Pesticides on Lawns, Gardens and Parks

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada: Pest Management Regulatory Brief

Registered Nurses Association of Ontario: Position on Cosmetic Pesticides (pdf)

Ontario Public Health Association Resolution on the Non-Essential Use of Chemical Pesticides on Public and Private Lands (pdf)

Toronto Public Health: Healthy People Healthy Environment

If you are looking for health impacts associated with specific pesticides check out Researching Health Effects of Pesticides on the Web (advice and links from NCAP).