Summer seems to be taking its time arriving here in the Lower Mainland. But the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds a little longer every day now and I think (trust me) we’ll finally be able to pack away our winter sweaters very soon.

 After waiting for so long for the sun to shine, you might be tempted to run out unprotected – but it’s so important to remember the dangers of sun exposure. So avoid prolonged exposure at peak times, cover up, wear sunscreen and find a shady spot — enjoy the outdoors now that summer is here – but protect yourself too. And look for our Sun Sense Teams at the park or on the beach.

 And this year, we’re also on Facebook. Our “Tanning is Out” page is reaching out to teenagers online to encourage them to embrace their natural skin colour – whatever that may be – and stop tanning and using tanning beds. Our teen ambassadors have pledged to “give up the tan” and encourage their friends to do the same. You can follow their progress by joining the group. We’re also giving away great prizes all summer long.

Remember: melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for people between the ages of 15 and 29 – but it’s also the most preventable.

Taking a cue from MythBuster's Jamie and Adam -- I'm busting some myths of my own about pesticides.

No, I’m not going to post about the ever-popular Jamie and Adam from the Discovery Channel’s MythBusters — as entertaining as they are, I’m more interested in busting some myths about cosmetic pesticides.

Myth: Cosmetic Pesticides are Safe

Studies show there is a growing body of evidence showing a connection between cosmetic pesticides and cancer in adults and children. Most research on pesticides has focused on occupation exposure and has linked it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia and cancers of the prostate, kidney, brain and lung. The World Health Organization, through the International Agency for Research on Cancer  tests chemicals, including pesticides and pesticide ingredients to find out if they cause cancer in people.

Myth: Health Canada already regulates cosmetic pesticides and this is sufficient

All levels of government share a responsibility for protecting health and the environment. Quebec’s National Public Health Institute put it this way: “the data which are presently available, the fact that certain aspects remain poorly understood, and the increased vulnerability of certain groups provide ample reason to justify taking a prudent approach and applying the precautionary principle with respect to pesticide use.”

Over 160 municipalities across Canada have passed bylaws to restrict the use of lawn and garden pesticides.

Myth: People don’t want change

A recent poll by Ipsos Reid found that 85% of British Columbians support alternatives to cosmetic pesticides.

 How about you? Any pesticide myths you feel like busting?

Last December I blogged about how the Canadian Cancer Society was calling on the BC Government to ban the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides.

Now, six months later, I have some good news and some bad news.

Bad news first: despite a public consultation process and a groundswell of public support, the government has yet to legislate a ban in BC. I wonder, are we waiting to have the distinction of being the very last province in Canada to enact this legislation?

While disappointing, to say the least, the government’s reluctance to act won’t stop us from continuing to call for action.

And the good news is that a number of medical and health organizations in BC are standing behind our efforts – here’s a list of organizations that have recently joined the Canadian Cancer Society in urging the government to ban the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides:

• The Public Health Association of BC
• UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
• The BC Lung Association
• The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
• Inspire Health: Integrated Cancer Care
• The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region
• Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Western Region

All these organizations have at least one thing in common – the desire to protect the health of British Columbians.  There is strength in numbers – and on this issue of banning cosmetic pesticides, we are getting stronger!

Click here to get involved.