Lawn and Garden Pesticides: Evidence of Hazards

by Priscilla Stevens

Using pesticides appears to be so easy. Just buy them "off the shelf" at the local hardware, use them and PESTS BE GONE! But, pesticides can contain cancer causing agents (carcinogens) without any label warning. Forty percent of the lawn care pesticide chemicals (active ingredients in pesticide products) are classified by EPA as human carcinogens (possible or probable). However, they are not identified as such on the product labels. These chemicals are routinely used by most lawn care companies.

Higher cancer rates are reported in people working as pesticide applicators. Also, in the U.S., increased levels of breast cancer in women and of lymphosarcoma in dogs have been associated with the use of professional lawn care services. The best way to avoid gambling with exposures to carcinogenic chemical pesticides is to use non-chemical alternatives.

Other Health Risks

Active and inert ingredients in chemical pesticide formulations can cause:

• Breathing problems
• Digestive tract problems
• Skin problems
• Birth defects
• Neurological problems
• Memory loss
• Moodiness
• Increased sensitivity to chemicals

Parkinson's Disease has been associated with certain pesticides used in the home and garden. Pesticides also can interact with drugs, leading to serious side effects. Such adverse health effects may not be listed on any label. Those who take the popular drug Tagamet (trade name for cimetadine) should be aware that they might be more susceptible to cholinesterase toxicity if they are frequently working with organophosphates. (Vet Hum Toxicol 30 (3), June 1988, p. 268-269).

Parents should consider that very young children, who frequently play on the lawn, are more vulnerable to chemical toxicity than are adults.

Protecting Pets

Even those who are healthy and optimistic about their own chances of staying healthy in the presence of pesticides may be subjecting beloved pets to pesticide hazards. Pets can't read warning signs and are more likely to get the chemicals on their bodies and lick them off. Dogs exposed to lawns freshly treated with chemicals have been fatally poisoned. Cats exposed to pesticides have become noticeably more aggressive. Cats are known to be more sensitive to chemicals than other species.

If we don't have to, why risk these health problems, when there are other options for pest control??? Contact the Rachel Carson Council website or e-mail them at rccouncil@aol.com and other noted sites for least toxic alternatives.

Lawn Chemicals Harm Vegetable Crops

Not all Lake Barcroft residents are avid vegetable gardeners;, however, there are some phenoxy herbicides commonly used for lawn care that can harm sensitive vegetables such as tomatoes and grapes. 2,4-D ( a component of Agent Orange) should not be used near these vegetables and fruits. Since there are todate no regulations protecting backyard gardens or people against pesticide drift, and according to the EPA 2,4-D is the herbicide most widely used by homeowners in the U.S., 2,4-D is commonly used in Lake Barcroft by lawn care services. Gardeners and neighbors of gardeners need to be aware that 2,4-d can particularly harm tomatoes.

Beneficial Insects

As pesky as some insects may be, there are others that are absolutely essential for the balance of nature. They are important pollinators and help by attacking other pest species. Insects are an essential food source for birds. Pesticides are broad based, general killers. They will not spare the beneficial insects.

Birds and Our Ecosystem

It is estimated that 7 million wild birds are killed each year due to homeowner pesticide use. How does this impact the human population? We know that birds provide a valuable service by feeding on insects. Humans and birds are both dependent on the ecosystem for clean water, clean air and pure food. When we seek less toxic alternatives for our ecosystem, we preserve our own existence.

Aquatic Life

Pesticide runoff into storm sewers, lakes, streams, rivers and bays cause serious pollution problems. Fifty pecent of the 18 major lawn and garden pesticides are highly toxic to fish, particularly young fish. They are even more toxic to tiny aquatic animals, essential food sources for many fish. The WID continues to educate Lake Barcroft residents on the importance of the proper balance of our lake with regard to microscopic aquatic life.

Those who still use pesticides should consider the aquatic life forms affected by the unavoidable runoff. In our community, the chemicals end up in the Potomac River, a large source for our drinking water and for others downstream. The best solution is to avoid toxic substances altogether.

The following two stories show that things can change for the better:

Chinook salmon has been listed as a threatened species due to dwindling numbers. In the waters of Washington state where the salmon spawn and live as young fish, high enough levels of pesticides have been found to have had negative effects on the food supply, growth, behavior and reproduction of this remarkable fish. The Mayor of Seattle, Washington, Paul Schell, has encouraged citizens to reduce pesticide and fertilizer use on their lawns and gardens in order to help clean up the land, air and water without leaving their front yards.

Fish counts and aquatic macroinvertebrates have increased significantly in the German Branch, a stream in Maryland flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. This was attributed to a program encouraging reduced use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers by farmers in that watershed. Farmers also saved money while following these practices.

Liability

Reading warnings and precautions on pesticide labels is essential for us as consumers. There we find limits of liability on the manufacturers. Most pesticide labels have a section of the label stating that the manufacturer is not responsible for any problems that may accompany the product's use. Many of the labels specifically state that these produces can be fatal to birds. Under the Migratory Bird Act Treaty it is illegal to kill a migratory bird even unintentionally. You can be fined if migratory birds die from your pesticide use.

How Sensible are Pesticide Use Practices in the United States?

When pesticides are used in agriculture, drift regulations in certain states require a "no spray buffer zone" to protect sensitive crops, schools, churches yards, and even homes. Agricultural workers are prohibited from entering pesticide treated areas for 24-72 hour periods, depending on the chemical used. Yet, no such restrictions pertain to outdoor pesticides used around homes, even though many of the agents are the same as those sprayed on farm fields. Does it make sense that the same chemicals would be safe when used by a homeowner and hazardous when used by a farmer?

Local Merchants Move Away from Toxic Chemcials

The Rachel Carson Council suggests American Plant Food Co. Garden Center, 5258 River Rd., Bethesda, Md. 20816 (301) 656-3311 as a source for alternative, less toxic pest control products.

The above article is reprinted with permission (with adaptations for Lake Barcroft) from the Rachel Carson Council, Inc. (RCC) 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, Md. 20815 301-652-1877. E-mail them at rccouncil@aol.com.