Politics & Government
Not Ready for Roundup: Common Pesticides Banned in Takoma Park
The Takoma Park City Council restricts the use of chemicals like Roundup and Ortho Max.
By Whitney Teal
Common pesticides like Roundup are now banned in Takoma Park, thanks to the Safe Grow Zone Act unanimously passed by the Takoma Park City Council, The Gazette reported.
Introduced by two residents, Catherine Cummings and Julie Taddeo, restrictions on pesticides go into effect March 1, 2014 for commercial pest control and Jan. 1, 2015 for homeowners, the newspaper reported.
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The measure, introduced as a way to protect public health, drew mixed reactions at a public hearing in March, Patch reported.
While some residents supporting banning the pesticides, which, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, have been shown to affect hormones, particularly in children, others characterized Cummings and Taddeo as bullies.
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During the public forum, Sabrina Eaton, a Takoma Park resident, said she is against the ban because she “[didn’t] think it’s really [her] business to be imposing [her] values on [her] neighbor."
Ortho Max, Ortho Ground Clear and Roundup brands of pesticides are banned under the law, Patch previously reported. Approved pesticides are allowed, The Gazette reported.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
