Re: You read it here first... but you shouldn't have, May 28.

Dan Gardner should be ashamed of himself for claiming to possess "the truth" about the "safety" of lawn pesticide 2,4-D. He quotes Health Canada's long-held assertion that the pesticide is safe, includes the qualifier "when used as directed" but has apparently failed to have read the directions.

Too bad, because the label clearly says that the applicator "should avoid inhalation and exposure to skin."

But when did anyone last see any applicator wearing goggles, a face mask, chemical protection body suit, gloves and boots and applying in windless conditions?

No, that might scare people into realizing this stuff is after all, poison, and not meant for human consumption and that protective gear is absolutely necessary. Certainly the applicators are at greatest risk but so are those within airborne range with open windows, pets and children who can't read the poison sign warnings and who may wander over recent applications.

Get out your dandelion digger, or just plant clover. You, your lawn and your family, your pets and your neighbours will be the better for it.

Peggy Land,

Ottawa