Groups ask why risk unnecessary exposure to cosmetic pesticides when there is a threat to health?VANCOUVER, Nov. 7, 2011 /CNW/ – A number of health and environmental groups, including the Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon, will make a presentation to the Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides in Vancouver on November 7th and 8th in support of the introduction of province wide legislation banning the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides.
One of the groups, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, is expected to submit new evidence linking pesticide exposure to childhood cancers.
Dr Bruce Lanphear, Clinician Scientist, Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital and Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, will be giving evidence about the impact of pesticides on learning disabilities in children.
"Why would the BC government continue to put the health of British Columbians and especially children at risk?" said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society BC & Yukon.
"We are only one of 19 organizations who have come forward to urge the BC government to enact a comprehensive ban. Public support is much broader."
A poll in February of 2011 revealed that more than 70% of British Columbians believe exposure to cosmetic pesticides increases the risk of cancer and threatens the environment.
Ms Kaminsky will give evidence at the Morris J Wosk Centre on Tuesday November 8th from 2:00pm-2:30pm.
The Hon Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay is chairing the Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For further information:
Ms Kathryn Seely, Director of Public Issues, at the Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon, who is presenting with Ms Kaminsky, is available for interview prior to the hearings. 604 675 7108Cell: 604 999 4659.
Dr Cathy Vakil, of Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment is also available for comment on 613-766-7385 or 613-353-3051
Dr. Bruce Lanphear
Senior Scientist, Child & Family Institute, BC Children’s Hospital
Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH, is a Senior Scientist at the Child & Family Institute, BC Children’s Hospital and Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. He is widely recognized as an authority on children’s environmental health, particularly for his work linking biomarkers of low-level environmental exposures with the development of disease and disability in children.
Bruce’s research was the impetus for further lowering the allowable levels of lead in house dust, ambient air and consumer products. He is the principal investigator for an NIH/US EPA–funded birth cohort to study the relationship of low-level prenatal and early childhood exposures to prevalent toxicants, including heavy metals, pesticides, environmental tobacco smoke and Bisphenol A with behavioral problems and learning disabilities.
U.S.A Senate Committee Prepared Statement by Bruce Lamphear