Health Canada agency permitted use of unsafe pesticides, audit finds.
ERIC ATKINS AND SHAWN MCCARTHY
TORONTO and OTTAWA — The Globe and Mail


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/health-canada-agency-permitted-crop-pesticides-deemed-unsafe-audit-finds/article28401884/

".....PMRA’s mandate is to “prevent unacceptable risks to the health of Canadians and the environment,” in accordance with the Pest Control Products Act. It approves – or conditionally registers – pesticides used on everything from corn to lawn turf and ornamental flowers.

Ms. Gelfand’s report said a pesticide called phorate, which protects crops against wireworms, was deemed unsafe even in small doses and phased out on some crops in 2004. However, PMRA extended the deadline four times for use on potatoes until 2015, citing a lack of alternative chemicals. Ms. Gelfand said nine pesticides remained conditionally registered – meaning the maker had not submitted the required proof that they were safe – for more than a decade. Eight of these were neonicotinoids, a class of insecticide linked to the decline in bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

“These products continue to be used extensively in Canada despite widespread concern that they may pose a threat to bees, other pollinators and broader ecosystems,” Ms. Gelfand said....."

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html