Cosmetic pesticides are a growing concern

Re: Pesticide decision must respect scientific evidence, Editorial, June 6

While the connection between pesticides and cancer isn’t conclusive, the Canadian Cancer Society is very concerned about the growing body of evidence suggesting pesticides may increase the risk of several types of cancers.

The Canadian Cancer Society maintains that the health of British Columbians should take precedence over perfect lawns.

Enough is known to be prudent and prevent exposure to children, especially when the use of these chemicals is unnecessary.

In this respect, prohibiting the use of cosmetic pesticides is both responsible and respectful of the state of the scientific evidence.

We hope Premier Christy Clark and Environment Minister Terry Lake continue to support eliminating the use of cosmetic pesticides in B. C. Wouldn’t we all rather be safe than sorry? BARBARA KAMINSKY Canadian Cancer Society, B. C. and Yukon

The editorial has it backwards when it suggests scientific evidence does not support a ban on cosmetic pesticides.

The Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides accepted the arguments of the pesticide industry PR flacks as “science” and committee chair Bill Bennett dismissed people who support a ban as “politically motivated left wing conspiracy theorists.”

That includes the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Paediatric Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, the Public Health Association of B. C. and the Lung Association.

Premier Clark should admit she made an error in appointing the biased Bill Bennett to head the committee and follow through on her campaign promise to ban cosmetic pesticides. COLIN MILES Vancouver