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.
