A Bill ensuring commercial pesticide handlers have proper training before applying potentially dangerous chemicals was passed in the House of Assembly with all-party support yesterday.

The Pesticide Safety Act 2008 will also streamline the importation of pesticides which will have to be approved by only one Government department, not two, and it will ensure only authorised people ship them in.

Pest control companies and people selling pesticides must get a license.

Introducing the Bill Health Minister Nelson Bascome said pesticide dumped on the ground represented a threat to human health by impacting the quality of Bermuda's fresh water lenses and the health of the environment generally.

"Additionally pesticides dumped down bore holes threaten the quality of groundwater as well as the marine environment," he said.

The Bill will go a long way to improving human safety said Mr. Bascome while minimising the negative environmental impact associated with pesticide use. He said there are currently no laws about training for those using pesticide.

"This translates to the farmer with no formal training in pesticide application, administering pesticides to the crops that we eat, the very crops our children consume."

He promised Government would get the necessary manpower to monitor the importation and sale of pesticides after saying unauthorised products are often to be found for sale at Bermuda stores.

The handling, storage, transportation and disposal of pesticides will also be strictly regulated. Pesticides are defined as any chemical used to control pests and they are important to protect crops said the Minister who noted that one third of the world's food was destroyed by pests each year.

Mr. Bascome explained that 'grandfathering' would not be allowed but those affected by the new law will be given reasonable time to comply.

Regulations will be drawn up after the Bill is passed and after further consultation with stakeholders. Mr. Bascome said most homeowners use pesticides in general use and so would not be much affected by the Act but he urged people to dispose of old pesticides at the Tynes Bay Incinerator rather than throw them in the trash.

But homeowners selling vegetables for sale which have been treated by pesticides will come under the Act because they are gaining financially.

Mr. Bascome said locally produced fruit and vegetables are not generally tested for pesticide residues but Government would be looking at getting Environmental Protection to look at this.

Offences for breaches of the act are liable to a maximum of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine on first conviction.

A further $1,000 fine can be levied for each day the offence continued. A second or subsequent conviction can attract one year in jail and a fine of $10,000 and a fine of $2,000 for each day the offence continues.

The Bill was welcomed by the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

Shadow Health and Seniors spokeswoman Louise Jackson expressed shock that pest control companies had not been required to train staff until this Act while Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons claimed many farmers he had spoken to had not been consulted about the Act.