Lawns can be effectively managed without using toxic chemicals that are harmful to both human health and the environment. When it comes to children’s vulnerability to lawn pesticides, there is quite a bit of documented scientific evidence to show this.
The National Academy of Sciences reports that children are more susceptible to chemicals than adults. The Academy reports that 50% of lifetime exposure to pesticides occurs during the first five years of life.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concurs that children take in more pesticides relative to body weight than adults. It adds that developing organs in children are more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxic chemicals.
Infants who crawl often during their early stages of life pose a greater potential for skin exposure to contaminants on lawns, soil, carpets and floors.
Studies also find that pesticides such as weedkiller 2, 4-D can pass from mother to child through breast milk and even the umbilical cord during pregnancy.
Pets and Kids!
Lawn care chemicals can make you, your neighbors, your children, and your pets – SICK. Most of the pesticides used in controlling weeds and insects are broad-spectrum biocides, which means they are poisonous to a wide variety of living organisms, including garden plants, wildlife, pets and people. Inert ingredients, which may constitute 50 to 99 percent of a pesticide formula, may actually be more toxic than the active ingredients.
Solutions for Green Lawns
As with other aspects of gardening, a healthy lawn is its own best defense against weeds and pests. It will crowd out most weeds and resist insects and disease.
The roots must go deep into the soil so they can seek out soil nutrients and find water during dry periods. Short mowing and light watering will prevent roots from going deep. Shallow-rooted lawns are the first to die or weaken during the summer heat. In this condition they attract insect and disease organisms.
