Canadian officials are delayed in evaluating the health impacts of organophosphate pesticides, substances linked to severe neurodevelopmental issues in children.
Marc Fawcett-Atkinson reports for the National Observer.
In short:
- Organophosphate pesticides, chemically related to nerve gases, continue to be used in Canada despite bans elsewhere and historical concerns.
- The delayed comprehensive review of these pesticides by Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency has raised doubts about the effectiveness of existing regulations.
- Limited monitoring of pesticides in Canadian water supplies adds uncertainty to the real-world impact of these chemicals on public health.
Key quote:
"We've known that organophosphates have had to go for the last 20 years — they're just far too dangerous as a class of products."
— Laura Bowman, lawyer with Ecojustice
Why this matters:
The ongoing use and insufficient oversight of organophosphates pose potential severe health risks, particularly to children, through exposure that could go undetected for years.
