Doctors Nova Scotia wrote a letter to the NS Environment Minister supporting the Non-essential Pesticides Control Act.

In 2003, Halifax Regional Municipality banned the use of cosmetic pesticides on residential and municipally-owned properties. However, the HRM doesn’t have the authority to ban the sale and use of these pesticides, hence the call for a provincial ban including the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides.

The sale and use of non-essential lawn care pesticides won’t be permitted in Nova Scotia as spring 2011. The ban will extend to ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees by spring 2012.

Exposure to pesticides can lead to illnesses such as cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases. Children are more highly-exposed and vulnerable to pesticides than adults. Vulnerability is particularly high in the womb when organs and systems are developing. Certain pesticides are associated with childhood cancer, and with impacts on reproduction, fetal and child development, most notably with negative impacts on the developing brain.

Agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and professional structural pest control companies are exempt from this proposed pesticide ban. This includes pest control for public health issues, such as rodent, bedbug and ant infestations. A list of low-risk pesticides which will be allowed for sale and use will be included in regulations.

The Non-essential Pesticides Control Act received first reading on May 4, 2010.