No ban planned for 2,4-D: Canada's pesticide regulator

Canadians can continue to spray the popular garden herbicide 2,4-D, the country's pesticide regulator said on Monday.

Some environmentalists have said the herbicide is linked to cancer, noting there are chemical-free ways to keep lawns and gardens healthy.

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After a scientific review, Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency concluded 2,4-D is safe to use against weeds on lawn and turf if sprayers heed the label instructions on the product and use the herbicide at its lowest effective rate.

"The PMRA understands that the public may have concerns over domestic uses of pesticides and would like to convey that all registered pesticides undergo a thorough science-based risk assessment," the agency said in a release.

The agency said its assessment gave special consideration to the risks faced by pregnant women and by children, who may accidentally ingest the herbicide while playing on treated grass.

As part of an ongoing re-evaluation, PMRA reviews pesticides currently on the market that were registered before Jan. 1, 1995.

The review aims to ensure pesticides meet today's health and environmental standards.

No evidence was found to back allegations that 2,4-D could cause cancer or harm aquatic life, PMRA said.

More than 60 municipalities across Canada have banned the cosmetic use of pesticides, citing possible harmful effects on people and the environment.

The herbicide, formally known as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, is manufactured by several chemical companies.

The agency's final decision on whether to ban 2,4-D is expected later this year. Before then, it may decide to limit the number of times per year that an entire lawn can be sprayed.

Canadians are invited to comment on the agency's review.