Argument misleading

Times Colonist
Sunday, June 19, 2005

As toxicologist, I worked at the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada. My job included evaluation of the toxicity and safety of pesticides used in food and agriculture.

I do not agree with Dr. Brad Hicks, a Fraser Valley veterinary pathologist. I find his explanation unacceptable and disturbing, as it is misleading about the potential toxicity of malachite green. I notice Hicks is vice-president of Taplow Feeds.

Malachite green may not be serious enough to cause acute toxicity, but chronic (long-term) toxicity is the characteristic of carcinogens and other adverse effects such as behavioural problems and fetal damage.

Health Canada does not permit it to be used for fish destined for human consumption and has a "zero tolerance" policy on its use. Zero means none or nothing.

This substance should not be used at all because there are chemicals that may not be detectable using state-of-the-art analytical methods, but they could be present. No further explanation or justification is needed.

That's the law and must be respected for us to be protected from toxic chemicals.

Celso E. Mendoza,

Victoria.