N.B. releases banned pesticide list

The provincial government has released a list of more than 200 over-the-counter pesticides that will no longer be sold or allowed for use in New Brunswick（Canada）, beginning this fall.

The pesticides all contain the ingredient 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, more commonly known as 2,4-D. The ingredient is widely used to kill dandelions.

Additionally, the province said they targeted a ban toward pesticide products that were more likely to be "overused and misused" by the homeowner, particularly pesticides requiring the user to measure, mix or dilute the product.

Under the regulations, pesticides will still be allowed to be sprayed on parks, sports fields, school yards and hospital grounds.

Nigel Bayliss, a partner member of Moncton's Price Landscaping Services, said the banned products listed wouldn't affect his business too much.

"There are a few products coming onto the market that are biologically controlled for weeds," he said. "There's one in a couple years that will take the dandelions as well."

CropLife Canada, a trade association representing pesticide manufacturers, developers and distributors, said New Brunswick is acting arbitrarily in regulating a pesticide ban.

"These products have been proven safe and effective," said Pierre Petelle, director of regulatory affairs for CropLife. "Health Canada has assessed each and every one of these products to make sure they're safe for the uses that are on the label."

Health Canada ruled earlier this year that 2,4-D can be used safely if directions on the product's label are followed correctly.

The list of banned products comes nearly a month after former Environment Minister Roland Haché first announced regulations banning all pesticides containing 2,4-D.

Several groups have said there's a link between pesticide use and health ailments, such as cancer, including the Nurses Association of New Brunswick, the Canadian Cancer Society, the New Brunswick Lung Association and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.

The latter group has criticized New Brunswick's incoming ban, saying it's a step in the right direction but not strong enough. Within two years, the New Brunswick government says it will review the 1974 Pesticides Control Act and look at banning more pesticide products in the province.

Ontario and Quebec are currently the only provinces in Canada with a ban on pesticide use.