Quebec has banned 20 lawn chemicals found in 210 products, giving it the toughest pesticide standards in North America. Homeowners may no longer use herbicides that contain 2,4-D. Insecticides such as Sevin that include Carbaryl are also banned.
    The move was hailed by concerned physicians and environmentalists.
The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, based in Toronto, said the code makes Quebec a leader in protecting human and animal health.
    “This bold action … sets a standard for excellence that other governments ignore at their peril,” said Warren Bell, an association board member.
    Although Health Canada last month said 2,4-D is safe to use on lawns and turf “when label directions are followed,” the association warned pesticides have been linked to childhood cancer, birth defects and neurological disease.
    Michel Gaudet, president of the Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, said that Quebec law is now in line with 2,4-D prohibitions in effect in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
    “Sweden prohibited 2,4-D in 1977 and 12 years later they noted the increase in some of their cancers started to go down,” he said.
    Companies that manufacture and supply the pesticides knew the ban was coming, and began reducing inventory last fall. Unused stock was transferred for sale in Ontario and western provinces, where 2,4-D may be sold.
    Don Cerone, merchandiser at a lawn products distributor, said the ban means gardeners will have to get back to basics.
    “To have a healthy lawn, you need good soil, add lots of grass seed, and use fertilizer to put nutrients in your soil.”  The basic principle is “the more dense your grass, the less room there is for weeds,” he said.
    As for getting rid of weeds, “the best way is pulling them out,” Cerone said. “Technically, there are no safe products that have yet to be approved” for sale in Quebec, he added. ( Montreal Gazette)