| Canada and the United States have taken very different approaches to regulating fertilizers. U.S. rules reflect an approach that the practice of recycling hazardous wastes into fertilizers is OK until proved unsafe, while Canada's position is to be cautious until the practice is proved safe. Most European nations have taken an approach similar to Canada's. | ||
Canada |
U.S. | |
| Legislation: | Regulated nationally by the Federal Fertilizers Act. | No national regulation; state-by-state laws that vary greatly. |
| Limits: | Specific limits for lead, arsenic, cadmium and five other toxic chemicals. |
No specific |
| Testing: | Requires tests every six months for nutrients and nine toxic chemicals in recycled and micronutrient fertilizers. | Tests for all ingredients when product is registered to sell, but never again tests for toxic materials. |
Sources: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, American Association of
Plant Food Control Officials, The Fertilizer Institute, World Health Organization
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Let us know what you think. E-mail Duff Wilson at dwil-new@seatimes.com