 Too
often, typical and joyful childhood pastimes such as running
barefoot on the lawn bring children into direct contact with
lawn pesticides. These chemicals can be tracked indoors by
people and pets, where they adhere to carpets, home furnishings,
even house dust.
Studies have linked the use of lawn pesticides with a four-fold
increase in the risk of children developing cancer of the
non-bony tissue (soft tissue sarcoma) and with two- to six-fold
increases in childhood brain cancer incidence in homes where
pesticides were used. Children have a special vulnerability
to pesticides: they breathe the air closer to the ground level
where pesticides are applied and are more likely to put their
hands in their mouths or rub their eyes without washing their
hands. Plus, their bodies—and their defenses against
toxins—are still developing.
Aren’t Lawn Pesticides Safe?
Pesticides are poisons by definition, designed to affect vital
biological processes that in most cases are not unique to
the intended target pests. They harm beneficial insects (like
ladybugs and praying mantises) that are part of your lawn’s
natural defenses, plants and microorganisms (like the tiny
creatures that break down organic matter and make it available
to nourish your lawn). In addition, exposure to many commonly
used lawn pesticides has been associated with serious health
problems in laboratory animals, including cancer, birth defects,
reproductive problems, hormonal imbalance, gene mutations
and nervous system, liver and kidney damage. Long-term, low-dose
exposure to herbicide and fertilizer mixtures in drinking
water has also been linked to increased aggression and immune
system damage in laboratory animals.
Many lawn pesticides on the market today were registered
with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before testing
requirements were strengthened in 1978, but even the EPA’s
current pesticide registration process is not designed to
consider the myriad of risks pesticides pose to human health
and the environment. Furthermore, pesticide registration is
not a consumer safety program, and federal law prohibits pesticide
manufacturers and pest control services (including lawn care
companies) from making safety claims based on EPA registration
of their products.
Pesticides and Your Pets
A study of dogs exposed to the most frequently used lawn chemical,
2,4-D, found that when dog owners applied 2,4-D more than
four times a year on their lawn, the incidence of common canine
cancer (canine malignant lymphoma or CML) doubled. According
to the National Cancer Institute, dogs with CML were 30 percent
more likely to have lived in a home where the owners had applied
2,4-D or employed a commercial lawn company to treat their
yard.
Diversify Your Lawn
In states like Illinois, lawns have displaced the native prairie
plants that evolved to the specific demands of our climate.
The reason turf grass takes so much work to maintain is because
it is not native to our region.
The Safer Pest Control Project (SPCP) recommends you diversify
your yard to include native grasses, trees, bushes and flowers.
These will enhance the beauty of your home, attract birds
and beneficial insects, and free you up from the time and
effort of tending the grass. When you do choose to plant grass,
choose seed that is adapted to our climate such as rye and
fescue varieties.
Here are SPCP’s tips for a great-looking, non-toxic yard.
With safe, effective alternatives to lawn pesticides available,
why risk health and environmental problems?
Soil Test
Healthy natural lawns thrive in healthy soil, with nutrients
properly balanced in the right amounts. Like people, every
lawn has different nutrient needs which is why a ’one size
fits all’ approach rarely produces good grass. A soil test
will help you determine exactly what kind of nutrients and
soil amendments to add. It can be done inexpensively and infrequently,
every three to five years, saving you money in the long haul
by reducing unnecessary fertilizer.
Water Correctly
Water deeply and infrequently. Ideally you want one inch of
water delivered once a week. Daily and brief watering discourages
deep root growth, one of the essentials of healthy turf grass.
Pest fungus can thrive in the damp grass, so give your lawn
a chance to dry before nightfall. Water in the early morning
to minimize evaporation and safeguard against fungus problems.
Mow Properly
Tell your lawn care provider that you want to keep your lawn
at least three inches high. If you do your own mowing, this
makes your task easier. Correct mowing will increase the strength
of the root system and naturally shade out some weeds. Don’t
mow your lawn every week out of habit.
Mow with sharp blades. Sharp mower blades make a clean cut,
while dull ones will rip the grass, weakening your lawn’s
defenses.
Fertilize Organically
Switch to an organic fertilizer. Most commercial fertilizers
have too much nitrogen for your lawn. Since the grass can’t
use it fast enough, most gets washed away—polluting nearby
bodies of water. Organic fertilizer will allow the grass to
take what it needs when it needs it. If you can’t find
it at your local nursery, please ask the manager to stock
it. The products are there if the customers show a demand,
so make your voice heard. In the meantime, organic fertilizers
are available via mail order. If you live near a feed store,
you’re in luck since they often carry a wide selection
of useful products such as alfalfa meal and corn gluten.
Reseed and Top Dress Annually
Fifty years ago, most lawn mix had clover in it, but broadleaf
weed herbicides were then introduced and destroyed the clover
in lawns. Clover is a great addition to any lawn. Reintroduce
it! It is drought tolerant, immune to diseases and greens
up all summer. Rabbits love it, and hopefully will eat the
clover instead of your other perennials. Reseed at least once
a year with a mix of grass seed and compost. Water slightly
each day for two weeks so the seed can get established. This
will naturally replenish your lawn and keep your soil healthy.
Banish Weeds Naturally
Consider using corn gluten (an organic corn byproduct that
is a natural pre-emergent weed control) to reduce weeds. Apply
it early in the season before the soil reaches 55 degrees
(usually when the forsythia bloom), and it will, over the
course of a few growing seasons, make a big difference. Invest
in a sturdy weeding tool and go after weeds for short periods
on a regular basis, rather than all at once. Don’t be
so focused on a perfect green lawn—instead realize that
a healthy lawn can naturally resist disease and drought.
FURTHER INFO:
For more details, contact the Safer Pest Control Project at
773-878-7378 or visit their website.
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