I write in strong support of the ordinance that would limit pesticide use in Hallowell (“Residents split on Hallowell’s proposed pesticide ordinance,” Feb. 5). Over the past several years, my work has involved research and policy analysis relating to pesticides and other chemicals with hazardous and toxic characteristics and ingredients. Some of that work has involved comparing U.S. laws and policy approaches to those in the European Union. Unfortunately, what I have learned is that there are many pesticides banned as dangerous to human and environmental health in the EU that the US lags far behind in regulating.
Under our so-called “risk-based” system, products are generally allowed onto the market without requiring proof of safety, unlike the EU’s reliance on the precautionary principle. Once on the market, those products generally stay on the market well past the point where evidence has accumulated establishing that they are too dangerous. Just because something is allowed onto the market in the U.S., doesn’t mean it is safe.
Maine is facing a PFAS crisis right now. This proposal bans compost contaminated with PFAS. What you may be less aware of is that this same pervasive, toxic “forever chemical”, which moves up the food chain and is now in our water, wildlife, soil and food, is a common ingredient in many pesticides. Products are sold or stored in fluorinated plastic containers that leach PFAS. While the Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed the problem, it has not regulated containers to remove the threat.
The fact that PFAS are being sprayed all over our city in the form of pesticides is a serious concern, one that the proposed ordinance will begin to address.
Hallowell’s proposed ordinance is a first step. It could be more protective, but at least it is a start to safeguard the health of our residents and our natural resources. I urge our City Councilors to support it.
Sharon Treat
Hallowell
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