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Challenging a lack of transparency and accountability in chlorpyrifos phase-out

Safe Food Matters and Prevent Cancer Now v. Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Health

June 14, 2021

Chlorpyrifos is a dangerous pesticide that is sprayed on crops such as wheat and potatoes and is used to kill mosquitos. Mounting scientific data shows the chemical poses serious risks to human health, including causing harm to the developing human nervous system. It is notorious for its potential to cause brain damage in children. Chlorpyrifos exposure can happen through the air, skin, food, drinking water or at the workplace.

In May 2021, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) announced that the registration of chlorpyrifos would be cancelled. However, the Agency allowed it to continue to be used and sold over three years. In the European Union, chlorpyrifos can no longer be sold and used and the United States has similarly banned most uses of the chemical.

Health Canada’s delayed action to protect Canadians from chlorpyrifos underscores broader issues with how toxic pesticides are managed in Canada. Documents obtained by Ecojustice reveal that the PMRA repeatedly ignored warnings from its own scientists about the health risks posed by chlorpyrifos, with red flags being raised as far back as 1999. The agency stalled a review of the pesticide for close to 20 years while continually disregarding mounting concerns about potential contamination in drinking water dating back many years. These alarming health concerns were never shared publicly.

Health Canada’s decision to phase-out chlorpyrifos over three-years means that this dangerous pesticide can still be used until December 2023. This decision puts the interests of the chemical industry above the health of Canadians and the environment. Rather than safely disposing of remaining stocks of chlorpyrifos, the chemical continues to be spread on crops where it can contaminate drinking water and food.  This protects pesticide companies from needing to buy back and dispose of unusable products. All the while, people in Canada continue to be exposed to chlorpyrifos contamination.

 

Ecojustice is asking the Federal Court to find the three-year phase-out of chlorpyrifos excessive and unlawful. Canada inexplicably allowed a three-year phase out for the toxic chemical, despite the health concerns with this product. This decision actively puts the health of people in Canada at risk from continued chlorpyrifos exposure.

Canadians have a right to know how Health Canada makes decisions about toxic chemicals that impact our health and the environment. Rather than disregarding science and catering to industry interests, Health Canada must act proactively to protect the health of people in Canada and the environment.

A win in this case could set a precedent about how Health Canada assesses and manages the risks dangerous and harmful pesticides pose to the health and wellbeing of Canadians.

Apr 2023
An aerial view of farmland. Two tractors harvest crops in the field.
press release

Chlorpyrifos phase-out highlights systemic issues with Health Canada’s management of toxic pesticides 

Toxic chemical is banned in EU and US and is known to cause brain damage in children   Toronto, Ont.
Feb 2022
Sign in front of green foliage reads 'Caution: Pesticide spraying in progress. Proceed at your own risk.
blog

Chlorpyrifos and the trouble with how Canada manages dangerous pesticides

Pest control products are used to control a variety of pests on agricultural products as well as in homes, industrial facilities or even in wilderness areas to control invasive species.
Jan 2022
Healthy crops in a field
press release

Lawsuit slams lack of transparency in Health Canada’s management of chlorpyrifos

PMRA sticks to three-year phaseout despite evidence chlorpyrifos causes brain damage in children  OTTAWA/TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHNAABEG PEOPLE — Ecojustice, on behalf of Safe Food Matters and Prevent Cancer Now, is headed to court to fight for greater transparency, consistency, and accountability in how Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) makes decisions.
Jun 2021
Healthy crops in a field
press release

Groups going to court to stop continued use of dangerous pesticide

Chlorpyrifos should be banned immediately  OTTAWA/TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHNAABEG PEOPLE – Ecojustice, on behalf of Safe Food Matters and Prevent Cancer Now, has launched a judicial review of Health Canada’s decision to allow a three-year phase-out of the dangerous pesticide chlorpyrifos, following its announcement on May 13, 2021 that chlorpyrifos’ use and.