Cosmetic pesticides have now been banned in both Ontario and Quebec.Pesticides are chemical and biological agents that are used to control pests such as weeds, insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Pesticides are primarily sprayed on farm crops and animals, but are also used on lawns, gardens and golf courses.

Pesticides can easily contaminate water through surface water runoff, accidental spills or improper disposal of leftover chemicals, and to groundwater through natural filtration in the areas where it is applied.

Unfortunately pesticides often harm unintended vegetation and wildlife, as their effects are cannot be limited to a particular pest. For example, birds can become poisoned by ingesting insects targeted by the pesticides or by absorbing the chemicals through their skin or lungs when pesticides are sprayed from the air.

Click here for more information on the effect of pesticides on wild birds

Adapted from Pollution Probe's Drinking Water Primer; and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre's: Birds and Pesticides Fact Sheet