Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
130 Spadina Avenue, Suite 301 Toronto,ON M5V 2L4
Tel: 416-306-2273 Fax: 416-960-9392 www.cape.ca
Pesticide 2,4-D dangerous, doctors say
Feb. 25, 2005
For Immediate Release
Toronto—The garden pesticide 2,4-D is dangerous to human health
despite a recent regulatory announcement, says the Canadian Association
of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE).
The physicians’ group — representing hundreds of medical doctors
across Canada — says a landmark report from the Ontario College of
Family Physicians shows clear associations between pesticides such as
2,4-D and serious illnesses such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“The Ontario College of Family Physicians undertook the most
extensive pesticide literature review in Canadian history,” said Gideon
Forman, CAPE’s executive director. “The College looked at 27 studies on
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Twenty-three of the studies showed
associations between this cancer and pesticide exposure.”
The College’s review also found links between pesticide use and
leukemia, birth defects, and fetal death.
“Approval by the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency is not
proof of 2,4-D’s safety,” said Dr. Kapil Khatter, CAPE’s president.
“Leaded gasoline was once government-approved as well. No reasonable
person would call leaded gasoline safe. Or take cigarettes. They’re
certainly approved for sale but used as directed they cause lung cancer.”
Health concerns are moving increasing numbers of Canadians to call
for pesticide prohibitions. Recent polling in a number of cities has shown
strong support for a complete phase-out of non-essential pesticide use. In
the City of Ottawa, for example, a survey of 525 residents conducted by
Oracle Poll showed 83% support a pesticide phase-out in public parks.
The margin of error is 4.3%, 19/20 times.
For More Information:
Gideon Forman, Executive Director
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
(416) 306-2273 (day); (416) 531-2111 (eve) gideon@cape.ca
