Ontario has released a final list of pesticides that will be banned for cosmetic use and sale – including weed killer 2,4-D – starting on Earth Day on April 22, reports the Toronto Star.
Environment Minister John Gerretsen says the new regulations will prohibit the sale and use of 2,4-D in its concentrated form, despite a NAFTA challenge from its manufacturer, according to the Star.
The ban prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products will be banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients will be banned for cosmetic uses.
There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Other exceptions include agriculture and forestry.
A new release issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, March 4, said the ban protects Ontario families and children from the unnecessary risks of cosmetic pesticides by only allowing the use of certain lower-risk pesticides for controlling weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.
The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules, and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the province.
“Weed killer 2,4-D on final list of banned pesticides,” by Moira Welsh, The Toronto Star, March 4
“Ontario to prohibit 85 cosmetic pesticides,” by Moira Welsh, The Toronto Star, March 3
“Ontario’s Cosmetic Pesticides Ban, What Licensed Landscapers and Lawn Care Operators Need to Know,”Fact Sheet from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, March 4
