Safety Information on Fertilizer and Pesticides During Pregnancy (and Beyond)
June 5, 2008
ARE YOU CURIOUS AS TO HOW SYNTHETIC FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDES MY AFFECT YOUR PREGNANCY? LOOKING FOR SAFE ALTERNATIVES…Read More Here…
The problem with any “fertilizer” is that there are various synthetic (chemically based) products that fall under this category, many of them are “pesticides” which can be:
* Herbicide (kills weeds)
* Insecticide (kills insects)
* Fungicides (kills fungus)
* Fertilizer ( kills eco-systems)
As the names indicate, the “cide” is killing something. According to the EPA these synthetic chemicals have been linked to a plethora of health problems such as:
* Cancer
* Disruptions in the Endocrine (Hormone) Systems
Studies have also shown that pesticides (and the like) can be passed through human breast milk to a nursing child. Since these chemicals can enter the body via:
* Skin Contact
* Inhalation
* Ingestion
it is best to avoid these synthetic chemicals especially during pregnancy and lactation and stick to more natural lawn care.
NATUAL ALTERNATIVES:
If you are looking for more natural ways to beautify your lawn, you can start with organic fertilizers such as:
Read more about healthy, and natural lawn care by clicking HERE to visit our online book store.
You may also consider Composting, which is essentially where biodegradable matter (fruits, veggies, egg shells, coffee, yard clippings etc.) decomposes (decays) into a nutrient rich matter which then can be reused and returned to the earth as a fantastic natural fertilizer. Some people call this “Green Gold”.
For more information on Composting check out this book: “Let It Rot!”
Finally, even main stream big chain stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot have Organic, and/or Natural fertilizers and pesticide alternatives. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and have them show you their selection.
If you would like more in depth information about the adverse effects of chemical and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, please read our article Safe and Healthy Lawn Care below.
SAFE AND HEALTHY LAWN CARE:
Of course we want to take pride in our home, so it is as important to beautify on the outside, just like we would the inside, however at what cost?
Fortunately, the demand for products that are safe and effective has created an industry to respond to those needs safely. Consider the facts:
1) 2,4-D the pesticide in most Weed and Feed product is a neurotoxicant and contains half the ingredients found in Agent Orange. Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s), reproductive problems, liver/kidney damage, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and disruption of the endocrine (hormonal) system are all linked to
2,4-D. Children are especially at risk for exposure due to the fact they are exposed to more chemicals relative to their body weight than adults. Plus they have the hand-to-mouth upping the exposure that much more. Pets can also track these chemicals into the house where they remain in our carpets etc.
2) Dogs exposed to 2,4-D are 2 times as likely to develop canine malignant lymphoma. What does that say about what it is doing to us?
3) Most people overuse the Weed and Feed products, which leads to runoff and the potential for contaminated ground water. 2,4-D is the #1 herbicide most frequently detected in streams and shallow groundwater. In fact the Canadian Medical Association passed a resolution for the ban of Weed and Feed products.
4) We don’t NEED Weed and Feed products. They can actually damage the long-term health of the lawn by harming the microorganisms, beneficial insects and earthworms essential to maintaining healthy soil. Some alternatives are: Natural/Organic fertilizers or slow release fertilizers, vinegar (as a natural herbacide for some plants, click here for more information), weed pullers and corn gluten (herbicide).
The bottom line is that scary diseases are on the rise, and the time has come to ask ourselves, if it is killing our pests what is it doing to us? There is documentation out there of how all of these “cides” both inside and outside of the home adversely affect our health. There is so much that is out of our control, but our homes are our domain and we can make a difference.
I know this information can be overwhelming, but knowledge is power and once you share your gardening “tips” with others, they are soon to follow suite and before you know it you have added a clean and green outside environment, to the one you are creating inside the home for your child. Every step helps! So stay in the know, and be an example for your neighborhood and community.
Want more information? Click here to visit www.safelawns.org for more. Or you can order your copy of The Organic Lawn Care Manual.
You can also visit your local Home Depot, Lowes etc. where they carry a wide variety of products. Just make sure to double check and read the label, as a conscious consumer.
* The points summarized above taken from www.beyondpesticides.org and this article at looking at the Top 5 Reasons Not to Use Weed and Feed.
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