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Ontario nurses say pesticide ban creates healthier environment for children

March 9, 2009 – When the province's pesticide law takes effect next month, it will include a comprehensive list of harmful and toxic substances banned for use on gardens and lawns.

When the province's pesticide law takes effect next month, it will include a comprehensive list of harmful and toxic substances banned for use on gardens and lawns.

The sweeping regulations released last week by the Ministry of Environment cap a long campaign by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO), as part of a coalition of health and environmental groups that pushed for fast implementation of the law.

"The Premier and the Minister of the Environment are to be congratulated for heeding the call of health and environmental organizations. Pesticides are poisonous and children right across the province will be better protected thanks to this announcement," says Wendy Fucile, President of RNAO.

"These regulations set a new standard. Ontario is ahead of any jurisdiction in North America when it comes to banning the display, sale and use of cosmetic pesticides," says Doris Grinspun, RNAO's Executive Director.

While RNAO is pleased that the new law about to take effect will make the province a healthier place to live, the association says its work isn't finished. Nurses will continue to push the government to extend its ban to include golf courses.