ABOUT PESTICIDES

The Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE) recommends that homeowners learn the facts about pesticides and consider seeking to reduce or eliminate pesticide use in their homes and property.

Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and "Weed and Feed" type products are all examples of pesticides. Scientific studies link exposure to common lawn care pesticides with an increased risk of several types of cancer, neurological and respiratory diseases, endocrine disruption, and birth defects.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserts that the widespread use of pesticides is both a major environmental problem and a public health issue, and that all pesticides are toxic to some degree.

Pesticides don't stay where they are applied. They vaporize and drift on the wind and run off into water sources. From outside, pesticide residues get tracked inside on shoes and pets and accumulate in carpets and dust.

Pesticides also kill beneficial plants and insects, pets, marine and wildlife.

Pesticides are especially hazardous to the health and development of children, due to a variety of physiologic and age-related factors. The American Public Health Association states that even a single exposure during a critical period of development can cause acute or long-term health problems.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Teach your children to recognize that yellow flags are a WARNING to keep off the lawn because poisonous chemicals have been applied. Be aware that a 24 hour waiting period will not prevent exposure, as many pesticides can persist on turf and in soil for months, not days, after an application.

Minimize exposure to pesticides. Store all pesticide products out of the reach of children. Read and follow all label directions and warnings carefully and use personal protective equipment. Dispose of any unused pesticides at a hazardous waste collection facility.

Use organic practices, such as applying compost to build rich, fertile soil. Mow your grass taller, 3-3 1/2", and water more deeply and less often. This will promote a healthier lawn.

If you use a lawn-care service, find out what chemicals they use and ask to see the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product used. Choose a lawn-care service that offers non-toxic alternatives to pesticides.

To learn more about how you can reduce your reliance on pesticides and introduce organic turf control policies into your home, check out the following Web sites: