FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I believe in the work SNAP does. Can I join or give a donation?

Absolutely but a donation is not tax-deductible at this time. While SNAP is a registered non-profit, it is not a charity. See the tab "Join Us" to the right.

For answers to the following questions, go to www.flora.org/healthyottawa/faq.htm

1. What are pesticides?
2. Are pesticides harmful to one's health?
3. Are Pesticides safe?
4. Does the Canadian Cancer Society support a ban on the
cosmetic use of pesticides?
5. Do herbicides contain dioxins?
6. Aren't there thousands of studies indicating that the herbicide
2,4-D is okay, so what's your concern?
7. Pesticide application companies seem to promote "Merit" to
kill grubs. What is Merit?
8. What is "bought science" that I hear so much about?
9. How are pesticides assessed?
10. Why a by-law? Isn't public education enough?
11. Did Québec recently restrict pesticide use?
12. Is Halifax's pesticide bylaw working?
13. How are people exposed to pesticides?
14. If pesticides are used as directed, do they still have a health
impact?
15. Isn't pesticide spraying a private property right?
16. Won't cutting pesticides reduce property values?
17. Is there support in the community for pesticide reduction?
18. Isn't agricultural pesticide use more prevalent than
residental use? Will that come next?

19. Why focus only on landscaping pesticide use?
20. What is the current City of Ottawa's policy?
21. Has anyone died as a result of exposure to pesticides? (long-term exposure?)
22. Are children and pets more vulnerable than others?
23. If pesticides are just used once in a while, can they still be harmful?
24. If I spray pesticides on my lawn, how long should I wait before the grass is
safe to sit or play on?
25. Do pesticides harm wildlife?
26. If my neighbour uses pesticides, can it leach into my backyard or blow onto
my property?
27. What is the federal government's position on pesticide use?
28. Can I still have a full green lawn without pesticides?
29. I heard about a lawn care company that applies toxic pesticides while claiming
to be ecologically friendly; isn't that misleading consumers?
30. Do alternatives cost more?
31. Do alternatives take more time to apply and show results?
32. What about people with health conditions such as asthma? Are alternatives
effective?
33. Where can I find information on alternatives?
34. What about the indoor use of pesticides? Isn't that a concern?
35. Q & A from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)

The Top Ten Reasons To Go Organic

36. We have made the conscious decision to no longer use pesticides/herbicides on our yard. I would like more information about some alternatives for weed control. Do you have a list of alternatives that you would be willing to share?

37. Are pyrethrins extradted from chrysanthemun and non-toxic?

38. My landlord, school, condo is planning to spray. What can I do to make them choose alternatives?