Critics fear new pesticide ban isn't working

Questions are being raised about the effectiveness of Newfoundland and Labrador's new ban on some pesticides.

The regulations went into effect on May 1, but provincial NDP environment critic George Murphysaid he found banned productsin storeson Friday.

"You know we have to see some action on this," saidMurphy. "If the government is going to do something, then go ahead and do it ...get to the job that's supposed to be done here, get these products off the shelves," he told CBC News.

Under the new rules, five cosmetic pesticides are banned. Critics have said the list should be much longer.

It is illegal to use a pesticide product that contains one or more of the following chemicals:

• carbaryl;
• 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, commonly referred to as 2,4-D;
• mecoprop;
• dicamba; or
• 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, commonly referred to as MCPA

The province's Environment Minister Terry French said most people have been following the new regulations but hepromised the province is taking action to make sure everyone is familiar with the new laws.

He said employees from his department are checking to make sure the hazardous products are removed from stores and have found that most retailers are following the new regulations.

Despite that,aSt. John's city councillor whocalled for a pesticide banis questioning if it will be possible to enforce the new regulations.

"Iwas very disappointed to find out that it was in one of our local hardware stores in the city," said Sheilagh O'Leary.

"I understand the minister is getting staff out to look around and find the various locations where this may happen but this is a province-wide ban, I mean how are we going to do this?"