The Ontario Cosmetic Pesticides Ban

A summary

The Ontario Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act came into effect April 22, 2009 as an effort to improve public health and limit environmental impact. This legislation replaces all pre-existing municipal bylaws, creating one clear and understandable set of rules that are applicable throughout the province. Along with improving legal transparency, the law restricts the sale and use of chemical insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides for cosmetic purposes. In total, about 250 pesticide products have been banned from sale and over 80 pesticide ingredients listed.

There are several exceptions to the ban, including the use of pesticides on golf courses, public works, sports fields, and more. There are also exceptions for health and safety: Controlling mosquitoes (and other insects that bite, sting, are venomous, or disease carrying), poisonous plants (like poison ivy), and animals, insects, or plants that can damage structures and infrastructures (like termites). (Phew!)

For a look at how the pesticides ban affects cottage country, check out Conor Mihell’s article, “Our chemical detox,” in the June 2009 issue of Cottage Life.

—Emma Woolley

Additional resources/links

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment

Ontario regulations

Industry- and area-specific fact sheets

Pesticide and other hazardous waste disposal

Healthy lawn and garden tips

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