1,000 signatures reached
To: Hackney Council
Pesticide Free Hackney
Stop spraying all toxic chemicals in Hackney streets, parks, schools and public space
Why is this important?
There is growing evidence chemicals (such as glyphosate ) used for pest and weed control in Hackney are damaging to human health, in particular children. Our kids need to be able to play safely in Hackney parks - face down in the ground - without fear of exposure to glyphosate and other toxic nasties.
Likewise shoppers, sunbathers, exercises, dog walkers, BBQ-ers, yogis - whoever and whatever you get up to in Hackney's wonderful streets and green spaces - should be able to do so without fear of being squirted by the weed control truck. I've been sprayed by it twice as it merrily made it's way up Dalston Lane. Once while heavily pregnant.
Glyphosate alone is linked to cancers, birth defects, infertility, autism and parkinson disease. The World Health Organisation has publicly stated glyphosate 'probably' causes cancer.
Progressive cities such as Paris, Toronto and recently Brighton, have already voted to end the use of toxic chemicals, such as glyphosate, in all public space. If they can do it, so can Hackney!
Alternative means of controlling weeds already exist. Products that are non-harmful to human health and the environment are available. Why risk the health of our children - and ourselves - when there is another way?
PS: Get informed! Read up about the issue by visiting Pesticide Action Network - Pesticide Free Towns campaign page and click on the Further Reading button.
http://www.panap.net/sites/default/files/Poisoning-Our-Future-Children-and-Pesticides.pdf
