1. What was the mandate of the Ontario Independent Fact-Finding Panel on Herbicide 2,4,5-T?
The Independent Fact-Finding Panel examined where, when and how 2,4,5-T herbicide, alone or in combination with other chemicals, was used in Ontario in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s for weed or brush control by government ministries and agencies.
It also examined whether exposure to 2,4,5-T resulting from this use may have potential health impacts. The panel was asked to document how 2,4,5-T was applied, how it was prepared and stored, and the occupational health and safety laws and workplace practices in place at the time.
2. What were the panel's findings?
The panel's report and the records our government provided to the panel are available online through ontario.ca/245T.
You can request a paper copy of the panel's report from ServiceOntario at 416-326-1234, Toll-free: 1-800-267-8097; TTY/Teletypewriter (for the hearing impaired): 416-325-3408, Toll-free: 1-800-268-7095.
3. What is the Ontario government's response to the report of the Ontario Independent Fact-Finding Panel on Herbicide 2,4,5-T?
The Ontario government would like to thank Dr. Ritter and the Ontario Independent Fact-Finding Panel on Herbicide 2,4,5-T for their work on this topic and for their thorough report.
Our first concern is for the health and safety of Ontarians. We are reviewing the panel's report to determine if additional steps need to be taken to address the findings.
4. What parts of the province were sprayed with 2,4,5-T?
2,4,5-T was used commonly in the 1950s, 60s and 70s for weed and brush control by sectors such as forestry, transportation and agricultural (for non-crop land). 2,4,5-T was used across the province in various locations, including hydro rights-of-way, along roadsides and highways, and for forestry activities. Because it was used for a variety of purposes, and by municipalities, private companies and individuals as well as government ministries and agencies, it is impossible to confirm all the locations where it may have been used.
Ontario suspended the use of 2,4,5-T in 1979 and banned it in 1980. The federal government deregistered the product in 1985.
The mandate of the Ontario Independent Fact-Finding Panel on Herbicide 2,4,5-T included determining the geographic area where 2,4,5-T herbicide was used in the province by Ontario government ministries and agencies. The panel's report is available through the website ontario.ca/245T.
To assist the panel, Ontario government records regarding the historical use of 2,4,5-T were collected by ministries and agencies. The records were provided to the Independent Fact-Finding Panel and are available for the public to read and download. The link to the records is available at ontario.ca/245T.
5. Why did the province move to ban 2,4,5-T in 1980, five years before the federal government did?
In the 1970s, studies began to look at the dioxin component of 2,4,5-T and assess whether the herbicide posed human health risks. Although not all studies pointed to a problem, mounting evidence convinced the Ontario Minister of the Environment in 1979 to restrict the sale and use of 2,4,5-T, despite 2,4,5-T still being registered for used in Canada until the mid-1980s.
In 1980, a final decision to ban the use of 2,4,5-T was made by the Ontario Minister of the Environment, based on his assessment that public confidence was best served by taking this action.
6. What are the health concerns associated with this herbicide?
The report indicates that there could be human health effects for those that have had repeated and prolonged occupational exposure to 2,4,5-T.
We are reviewing the panel's report to determine if additional steps need to be taken to address the findings.
If anyone has concerns that they are experiencing an illness related to 2,4,5-T exposure, we encourage them to speak with their doctor.
7. Will the government compensate staff who were exposed, and if so, how will it do that?
Ontarians who believe they have contracted an illness due to potential exposure to 2,4,5-T during the course of employment can make a claim to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for benefits by calling 1-800-387-0750, or going to the WSIB website wsib.on.ca.
Survivors of deceased workers may also make a claim.
WSIB will be reviewing the panel's report.
8. Will the government compensate members of the public who believe they were exposed and, if so, how will it do that?
The government has just received the report and is thoroughly reviewing it. We are reviewing the panel's report to determine if additional steps need to be taken to address the findings.
9. Who can I contact if I think I've been exposed to 2,4,5-T at work?
The health and safety of all Ontarians is vitally important and our government is committed to making the review of the report a priority.
If you have concerns about potential past workplace exposure to 2,4,5-T, please call the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) at 1-800-387-0750. Information is also available on the WSIB website at wsib.on.ca.
The WSIB is committed to working with Ontarians who may have been exposed to herbicides in the workplace and contracted a work-related illness.
If you are concerned that you are experiencing an illness related to exposure, you should also speak to your doctor.
10. Who can I contact if I think I've been exposed to 2,4,5-T, but not at work?
If you are concerned that you are experiencing an illness related to exposure you should speak to your doctor.
11. Are herbicides and pesticides still used in Ontario?
All herbicides must be deemed safe for our health and environment by the federal government before they can be used.
Ontario has a comprehensive regulatory framework to control how herbicides and other pesticides are sold, transported, used, stored and disposed.
Under Ontario's cosmetic pesticides ban, numerous pesticide products and ingredients, including some herbicides, have been banned for sale and cosmetic uses.
While there are still herbicides and other pesticides used in the province, the Ontario government requires these products to be properly managed to ensure a healthy environment for the people of Ontario. We have a comprehensive regulatory framework that controls how they are sold, transported, used, stored and disposed.
12. How do we know herbicide spraying today is any safer than it was 50 years ago?
Ontario has a comprehensive regulatory framework to control how herbicides and other pesticides are sold, transported, used, stored and disposed.
Ontario laws require licences for selling and applying herbicides and pesticides commercially and for operating pest control businesses. The province also provides education and training on responsible herbicide use and through compliance and enforcement ensures that our stringent requirements are being met.
The standards in place at the time the herbicide 2,4,5-T was used reflected the norms of the day. Over the last few decades there has been continuous improvement in the way herbicides and pesticides are used, including stricter regulations and approvals, better technology for applying them, and rigorous precautions taken when using them.
All herbicides must be deemed safe for our health and environment by the federal government before they can be used.
