Editor:
Re: Guess most of us are radicals, May 24 letters.
Okay, I’ve had it. I’m coming out of the closet. I am a pesticide applicator in my trade as an arbourist, and have been for about 40 years. I’m coming out now because I’m sick and tired of the misinformation coming out regarding pesticides.
When I see phrases such as “exposed to chemical pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides” it bothers me, because it shows me that the writer is not informed about how various products are used, carefully, by professionals.
A pesticide is defined as “any chemical which is used to control any unwanted organisms harmful to cultivated plants or animals.” By this definition, vinegar poured on a weed is an herbicide. Common table salt poured on a slug is a mollusticide. Dish soap applied to an aphid is an insecticide and baking soda applied to a rose is a fungicide.
All of these common household items, when used in these conditions, are pesticides. Granted, there are a multitude of pesticides out there that are not as benign as the ones I’ve mentioned, but I’d like anyone claiming that “pesticides” cause such and such nasty disease, to please remind yourself that not all pesticides used today are the awful chemical concoctions you think they are.
You would be surprised at how much of an environmentalist myself, and other pesticide applicators can be.
As a pesticide applicator, I feel my job is to find a way to control a pest in the safest and most effective manner, and I’m sure I’m not the only one in my field who feels this way.
If and when chemicals are used, it may be because it is the most effective way to deal with the pest, or the last option when all others have been exhausted.
Also, regarding the photo that ran with on the letters page on May 24, front-and-centre is Warfarin, a rat killer, which is also commonly prescribed by doctors as a blood thinner. When it is applied in high concentrations it kills rats, but when used in prescribed doses it saves lives.
Something to think about.
Jim Hunter, White Rock