Editor:
BC Hydro and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) plan to use glyphosate on the Sunshine Coast. However, because of its danger, countries around the world, such as France, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Columbia, are banning glyphosate. Some large European supermarket chains are refusing to sell it. The European Union and other countries are considering a ban.
Health Canada says that products containing glyphosate do not present unacceptable risks to human health or the environment when used according to the proposed label directions. Acceptable risks are OK? What’s acceptable?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared glyphosate a probable carcinogen. There is a high correlation between glyphosate and cancer, birth defects, neurological damage, endocrine disruption, DNA damage, miscarriages, a decrease in a male sex hormone, and more. An acceptable risk?
The Town of Gibsons (2005) and the District of Sechelt (2007) passed bylaws banning the cosmetic use of pesticides. Thank you, Gibsons and Sechelt! This ban applies to lawns and flower gardens (cosmetic), so it is legal for BC Hydro and MOTI to use glyphosate for non-cosmetic use.
Bob Drinkwater of Drinkwater Environmental Services was quoted in the Coast Reporter as saying, “one approach is to restrict the use of herbicides to management of invasive plants only where mechanical or biological methods are not effective.” Therefore, please use mechanical or biological methods. One summer I saw men with chain saws clearing vegetation in BC Hydro’s power line. Excellent.
The U.S. Geological Service found glyphosate in the air, rain, streams and surface water. Along with the detrimental impacts mentioned above, we have ample evidence to use the Precautionary Principle, which means that when there is such doubt and controversy about safety, err on the side of caution.
We strongly encourage BC Hydro and MOTI to use mechanical and biological methods rather than resorting to glyphosate.
Elizabeth McNeill for the S.C. Clean Air Society
