Posted: Sat 6th Apr 2019

Extra training to be given on weedkiller use amid cancer link fears

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Saturday, Apr 6th, 2019

Extra training on spraying weed killer is to be given to council staff in Wrexham amid concerns about products which have alleged links to cancer.

It comes after chemical giant Monsanto was ordered to pay $80m to a man from California who claimed that his exposure to one of the firm’s glyphosate-based herbicides caused him to develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Wrexham Council is one of many local authorities across the UK which deploys a weed killer containing the chemical to control plants.

It attracted criticism after it was previously accused of over using such products by Cartrefle councillor Ronnie Prince, who witnessed it being sprayed on grass verges in Caia Park.

The council’s environment department has since sought to limit the amount used, particularly around play areas and schools.

A new report shows new training is also being given to staff in the build up to the summer to protect people’s health.

In a notice which has been circulated to all 52 councillors in Wrexham, Cllr David A Bithell lead member for environment and transport, said: “Refresher training for the Streetscene operatives involved in spraying will be undertaken in late March/early April 2019.

“This training will also be undertaken with parks and cemetery and crematorium staff this year to ensure a consistent approach across the environment and technical department in preparation for the coming season.

“Only staff trained with the correct certification are able to undertake spraying work. The Welsh Government provided a guidance note on glyphosate use in August 2018. We continue to follow this advice.

“The reduction and targeted use of herbicide over the last year, the exploration of best practice from other authorities and trialled alternatives to the use of glyphosate all show we are working in the context of the duty.”

The Welsh Government has told authorities to ensure all reasonable precautions are taken to protect human health and the environment.

It said the amount of weedkiller used should be ‘as low as reasonably practicable’.

Council staff are being asked to focus on spraying areas, such as pathways, kerb edges and under fence lines which can’t be accessed by strimmers.

They are also being instructed to avoid using herbicides near water systems, play areas, parks, schools, grass verges and trees.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).



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