Maritimers support lawn pesticides ban, says survey

More than two-thirds of Maritimers support the idea of a ban on cosmetic pesticides, according to a survey commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society.

'I think there's a growing awareness that chemicals in our community can provide a risk.' Dawn Binns, Canadian Cancer Society

The survey showed 69 per cent of Maritimers who were queriedagreed with the idea of a ban. Support for the ban was particularly strong on Prince Edward Island, with 75 per cent in favour.

Dawn Binns, executive director of the P.E.I. branch of the Cancer Society, said the survey is an effort to show politicians how people feel about cosmetic pesticides.

"I think there's a growing awareness that chemicals in our community can provide a risk," said Binns.

"I guess the majority of people are saying, 'You know what, if there's a possibility that this could not be healthy for me or my family, I'd rather not be exposed to it.'"

The survey also found large majorities of Maritimers did not use lawn pesticides, and believed they were a potential health risk.

More than 1,000 people across the Maritime provinces were questioned in November for the survey. It is considered to be accurate within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.