Pesticides: what are they?
Pesticides, whether natural or synthetic, are products designed to control or eliminate organisms deemed to be a nuisance:
weeds (herbicide);
invasive insects (insecticide);
fungal disease (fungicide);
mites (miticide), etc.
There are synthetic (i.e., chemical) pesticides, which contain organic compounds manufactured in laboratories, and natural pesticides, made from vegetable, animal or mineral extracts.
How can pesticides affect my health?
Pesticides can be absorbed through the mouth, skin and respiratory tract. In such cases, immediate effects can include headaches, skin or eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Several pesticides, including some used on lawns, are believed to have long-term adverse health effects such as infertility, early-onset puberty, various forms of cancer, diabetes, obesity, fetal abnormalities, neurological disorders, and learning disabilities.
Good to know
Children are especially at risk, because they crawl and play on the ground, and tend to put all kinds of objects in their mouths. Be sure to obey all instructions regarding how long to wait before walking on treated surfaces; these will be on the product packaging in the case of products sold for home use, or provided by the company if the pesticide is applied by professionals.
How are pesticides regulated?
The sale and use of pesticides are regulated by Quebec’s Pesticides Management Code, with the goal of limiting exposure to such products and their propagation in the environment, because pesticides do not stop at grass surfaces: they wind up in the soil, in drinking water, and in the entire food chain.
Several active ingredients in lawn-care products are now banned from use in residential communities in Quebec. Other products are reserved for use by professionals or in restricted situations. In accordance with the Pesticides Act and the Regulation Respecting Permits and Certificates for the Sale and Use of Pesticides, any company that uses them for lawn maintenance must have a permit from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change.
What should I do to protect against pesticides?
Always store pesticides in hermetically sealed containers, well out of the reach of children. When preparing and applying pesticides, wear gloves, long clothing, and protective eyewear. Treat surplus products as hazardous household waste; never dispose of them in the sewer or in a waterway.
Good to know
Insofar as is possible, use products on days with little or no wind, to limit dispersion.
What are some alternatives to pesticides?
Right from the start, prefer hardy plants that are less vulnerable to insects and disease.
If you have problems with insects or vermin, consider using traps, sealing cracks, spreading mulch to prevent weed growth, using a dandelion weeder, etc.
If you decide that you have no choice but to apply pesticides, use “over-the-counter” products that are deemed to have little impact on health and the environment, such as acetic acid, boric acid, sulphur, diatomaceous earth, dormant oil, etc. Carefully follow all instructions, and use products solely for their intended purposes.
You can also do business with an approved supplier in landscaping or plant care (lawns, trees, bushes, etc.).
Where can I learn more about pesticides?
Montréal Botanical Garden: Getting to Know Low-Impact Pesticides
Do you need personalized advice on your home?
Our Residential Advisory Services counsellors are there to answer your questions and support you when you need it. Ask for their advice as often as you like. It’s one of the benefits of membership.
