Northside Healthy Lawn Team

Healthy Lawns

Answers to Some Basic Questions

Are there health effects caused by using pesticides?

Pesticides are hazardous to human and pet health. Studies show a 2-6 times greater cancer risk in households where lawn chemicals are used. Other studies have documented infertility, miscarriages, birth defects, attention deficit and nervous system disorders. The National Cancer Institute found that the use of 2,4-D (which is in weed 'n feed type products) doubles a dog’s risk of canine malignant lymphoma.

Doesn’t the government (EPA) make sure they are safe?

Pesticide registration is not a consumer safety program, and federal law prohibits pesticide manufacturers and lawn care companies from making safety claims based on EPA registration of their products. Monsanto was fined in 1996 and 1998 for making false and misleading safety claims about Round-up.

But Round-up is safe to use, isn’t it?

Given the marketing of Round-up as benign, it is striking that laboratory tests have found adverse effects in all categories of testing. These include medium-term and long-term toxicity, genetic damage, effects on reproduction, and carcinogenicity. It has also been called “extremely persistent” by the EPA, meaning that it really does not break down quickly, as people are often told.

What should I do to get rid of weeds in driveway or sidewalk cracks?

Try pulling them; it’s often easier than you would think. If that doesn’t work, put a drop of dish soap in some white vinegar and paint or spray the weed. Cutting or weedwacking before vinegar treatment is even more effective.

What else can I do to take care of my lawn more safely?

Please visit the Greater Madison Healthy Lawn Team's main website for more information about how to grow a healthy lawn without using pesticides.

Information on the site includes:

• Health
• Environment
• Lawn Care
• Lawn Alternatives
• Lawn Chemicals