Ottawa faces pressure to expedite its prohibition of the insecticide chlorpyrifos, which studies link to cancers, Parkinson’s disease and other health effects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned chlorpyrifos in 2016 – a move that the agency reversed soon afterward, amid a wave of deregulation following the election of Donald Trump.Health Canada is facing legal pressure aimed at speeding up its pending ban on chlorpyrifos, a commonly used agricultural insecticide that scientists believe poses a health threat similar to toxic substances such as lead and tobacco.
The two groups are asking the court to find the three-year phase-out timeline unlawful. They argue Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency , which determined the phase-out schedule, erred by not analyzing the latest health data before deciding not to immediately ban chlorpyrifos. The organizations will present their arguments in the fall, and a full hearing is slated for early next year.
The agency added it does not consider the risks posed by chlorpyrifos to be “imminent and serious,” and that three-year phase-outs are standard in such cases. According to the regulator’s published guidelines, it decides whether a chemical’s risks are imminent and serious by weighing factors such as the potential magnitude of harm, the likelihood of harm and whether or not the general public is exposed to the substance.
Chlorpyrifos, sold under trade names including Dursban and Lorsban, is widely used in Canada. It has been on the market since 1965. Beyond agriculture, it is used for golf-club lawn care and wood treatment.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
French lawmakers approve bill to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for health workersFrench parliament backed a bill to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for health workers as well as require a bolstered health pass in a wide array of social venues
Read more »
British health minister Sajid Javid apologizes for urging people not to ‘cower’ from COVID-19Sajid Javid had been criticized for using the word ‘cower’ when tens of thousands in Britain have died from the coronavirus and many are trying to keep safe
Read more »
Olympic wake-up call: Canada's overnight wins and a near-podium finish | CBC SportsCanadians posted wins on the sand, court, and pitch, while a cyclist raced to an impressive fifth-place finish. Here's what you might have missed on Saturday in Tokyo.
Read more »
Meet the coaching legend leading Team Canada into its ultimate test - Sportsnet.caBig Read: Lisa Thomaidis has already cemented her status as one of the greatest basketball coaches in Canadian history. Now, she and the senior women’s national team have their sights set on an elusive goal — the Olympic podium. ✍️: michaelgrange
Read more »