Why Organic?

[Guest guest]

Why Organic Part I

Comprehensive Review of Pesticide Research Confirms Dangers Press

Release / Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP)

Family doctors highlight link between pesticide exposure and serious

illnesses and disease; children particularly vulnerable. [Complete paper

179 page PDF 1.01 MB at OCFP website]

http://www.ocfp.on.ca/local/files/Communications/Current%20Issues/Pesticides/Fin\

al%20Paper%2023APR2004.pdf

Toronto, ON— The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) is

strongly recommending that people reduce their exposure to pesticides

wherever possible after releasing a comprehensive review of research on

the effects of pesticides on human health. Released today, the review

shows consistent links to serious illnesses such as cancer, reproductive

problems and neurological diseases, among others. The study also shows

that children are particularly vulnerable to pesticides.

The review found consistent evidence of the health risks to patients

with exposure to pesticides. " Many of the health problems linked with

pesticide use are serious and difficult to treat – so we are

advocating reducing exposure to pesticides and prevention of harm as the

best approach " , said Dr. Margaret Sanborn of McMaster University, one of

the review's authors.

Principle Findings of the Review:

Many studies reviewed by the Ontario College show positive associations

between solid tumours and pesticide exposure, including brain cancer,

prostate cancer, kidney cancer and pancreatic cancer, among others.

Previous studies have pointed to certain pesticides, such as 2,4-D and

related pesticides, as possible precipitants of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

(NHL), and the findings of the College's review are clearly consistent

with this.

It is clear from the review that an association exists between pesticide

exposure and leukemia. According to the College, the implication of

pesticides in the development of leukemia warrants further investigation

and also, political action.

The review team uncovered a remarkable consistency of findings of

nervous system effects of pesticide exposures.

Occupational exposure to agricultural chemicals may be associated with

adverse reproductive effects including: birth defects, fetal death and

intrauterine growth retardation.

Pesticide Effects and Children:

Children are constantly exposed to low levels of pesticides in their

food and environment, yet there have been few studies on the long- term

effects of these exposures. Nevertheless, the College reviewed several

studies that found associations between pesticide exposures and cancer

in children. Key findings include:

An elevated risk of kidney cancer was associated with paternal pesticide

exposure through agriculture, and four studies found associations with

brain cancer.

Several studies in the review implicate pesticides as a cause of

hematologic tumours in children, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and

leukemia.

Some children have overall increased risk of acute leukemia if exposed

to pesticides in utero or during childhood, especially for exposure to

insecticides and herbicides used on lawns, fruit trees and gardens, and

for indoor control of insects.

What the Public Should Do:

Given the wide range of commonly used home and garden products

associated with health effects, the College's overall message to

patients is to avoid exposure to all pesticides whenever and wherever

possible. This includes reducing both occupational exposures, as well as

lower level exposures that occur from the use of pesticides in homes,

gardens and public green space. The College also advocates exposure

reduction techniques such as:

Researching and implementing alternative organic methods of lawn and

garden care and indoor pest control.

Proper use of personal protection equipment, including respirators for

home and occupational exposures.

Education on safe handling, mixing, storage and application when

pesticide use is considered necessary. …more 3 What Family Physicians

Should Do:

In the wake of this systemic review, the College is advocating that

family physicians take the following measures: Screen patients for

pesticides exposure at a level that may cause significant health

problems, and intervene if necessary.

Take patient pesticide exposure history when non-specific symptoms are

present — such as fatigue, dizziness, low energy, rashes, weaknesses,

sleep problems, anxiety, depression. Focus efforts on prevention rather

than on researching the causes of chronic or terminal disease.

Consider high-risk groups (e.g. children, pregnant women, seniors) in

their practices.

Advocate reduction or pesticide risk/use to individual patients.

Advocate reduction of pesticide risk/use in the community, schools,

hospitals and to governments.

The Ontario College of Family Physicians is a provincial chapter of the

College of Family Physicians of Canada and is a voluntary, not-

for-profit association that promotes family medicine in Ontario through

leadership, education and advocacy. The OCFP represents more than 6,700

family physicians providing care for remote, rural, suburban, urban and

inner-city populations in Ontario. The OCFP is the voice of family

medicine in Ontario. At the heart of the organization is the building

and maintenance of high standards of practice and the continuous

improvement of access to quality family practice services for all

residents of Ontario.

For more information contact:

Josh Cobden or Casey

Environics Communications

416-920-9000

jcobden@...

Jan Kasperski

Ontario College of Family Physicians

416-867-9646

jk_ocfp@...