References
for
Wellesley
TURN project brochure February 2002
Sarah Little s-little@mediaone.net
Eileen Gunn Eileen_Gunn@uml.edu
February 1, 2002
HEALTHY LAWNS AND
LANDSCAPES
Imagine your kids playing on grass that isn't treated with poisons…
Your kids can play on grass where you never need a “Keep off, Pesticide Application” warning sign.
Imagine watering costs cut in half!
Healthy soils with thriving micro-organisms lead to deep-rooted grass. Deep roots require less watering, less fertilizing, and save you money.
Personal communication, 2001, Peter Wild, Boston Tree Preservation
Imagine no mowing!
Turn part of your lawn into a landscape with a diversity of native plants, hardy flowers, ground covers, trees and shrubs. Low maintenance, native plants include blueberries, azaleas, bearberry, dogwood and redbud trees.
The Wild Lawn Handbook: Alternatives to the Traditional Front Lawn, by Stevie Daniels.
Now available for the first time in paperback, The Wild Lawn Handbook is the definitive guide to transforming the traditional grass lawn into a beautiful alternative lawn using native grasses, ferns, mosses, wildflowers, low-growing shrubs, and perennials. In the last few years, there has been a media outcry to raise the publics awareness of the toxicity and water-wasting nature of the American lawn, making wild lawns one of todays hottest gardening topics. This is the first comprehensive book to show you the way step-by-step. If you are unsure of the consequences...youll be convinced when you see the beautiful alternatives in a portfolio of color photography in the center of the book and the fat lists of sources and support material in the back. The New York Times Stevie Daniels, the former editor of Organic Gardening magazine, has written articles on natural gardening and environmental
Pesticides pose a risk to you. Pesticide exposure in humans has been associated with birth defects, numerous cancers, Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders, male infertility and immune system problems.
Health Effects of 48 Commonly Used Pesticides in Schools, Beyond Pesticides/NCAMP Factsheet, August 2000
"Childhood Cancer: A Growing Problem," Environmental Health
Perspectives, January 1998.
Pesticides and Childhood Cancers, Sheila Hoar Zahm and Mary
H. Ward, Occupational Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Etiology, Nation
Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, Environ Health Perspect 106 (Suppl 3): 893-908
(1998) (from TURI pesticide toxicological abstracts (pta))
Julie L. Daniels, et al., "Pesticides and Childhood Cancers,"
Environmental Health Perspectives, October 1997.
Janice M. Pogoda and Susan Preston-Martin, "Household Pesticides and Risk
of Pediatric Brain Tumors," Environmental Health Perspectives, November
1997.
Carrie Loewenherz, et al., "Biological Monitoring of Organophosphorous
Pesticide Exposure Among Children of Agricultural Workers in Central Washington
State," Environmental Health Perspectives, December 1997.
Additionally,
physical and chemical agents such as pesticides, solvents, arsenate and lead as
well as hair dyes, radiation exposure (high dose) and paint thinners have all
been shown to increase the incidence of NHL.
The risk of NHL is increased among individuals exposed to chemicals such as
·
benzene and
certain other solvents,
·
herbicides
(weed killers),
·
pesticides
(insect killers), or
·
the antiepileptic medicine phenytoin (Dilantin®), which
can cause
reversible overgrowth of lymphoid tissues.
http://www.oncologychannel.com/nonhodgkins/
A case-control study of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) based on 442 cases and twice the number of controls was carried out in Sweden. Exposure was assessed by questionnaire.
It had been thought that exposure to 2,4,5-T (contaminated with TCDD dioxin) was a risk factor in NHL. However, 2,4,5-T was banned in Sweden in 1977. It now seems that the phenoxy herbicide MCPA may be a risk factor.
Increased risk was found for subjects exposed to herbicides. Within the herbicide group, phenoxy herbicides were associated with most risk, and MCPA within this group had the most significant increased risk. For several categories of herbicide, only exposure during the most recent decades before diagnosis of NHL was associated with an increased risk of NHL
Apart from the statistics, two other features suggest this. Firstly, the rise in NHL parallels the first and subsequent use of MCPA. Also, immunosuppression is a risk factor for NHL and immunotoxic effects are reported for MCPA.
Glyphosate exposure carried an increased risk apparently (but only 4 cases examined). Gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations have been reported in mouse lymphoma cells exposed to glyphosate. Subjects exposed to glyphosate (and other pesticides) have an increased risk of hairy cell leukaemia, a rare type of NHL. Glyphosate deserves further study.
Exposure to organic solvents did not increase risk of NHL.
Case control
study of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Exposure to Pesticides
L Hardell, M Eriksson. Cancer (Jo. Am. Canc. Soc. (?)) vol 6 (15) March
1999, 1353-1360.
Combination of
Pesticides Linked to Parkinson's Disease By Cat Lazaroff ROCHESTER, New York, January 3, 2001 (ENS) - A
combination of two widely used agricultural pesticides - but neither one alone
- creates in mice the exact pattern of brain damage that doctors see in
patients with Parkinson's disease. The research offers the most compelling
evidence yet that everyday environmental factors may play a role in the
development of the disease.
The scientists
caution that more studies are necessary to explain the link, since it is probable
that many factors contribute to a complex disease like Parkinson's. The
researchers say it is unlikely that the pesticides on their own actually cause
the disease.
The latest findings of a team led by Deborah Cory-Slechta,
Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and dean for research at the
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, appear in the
December 15 issue of the "Journal of Neuroscience."
Elizabeth A. Guillette and others, "An Anthropological Approach to the Evaluation of Preschool Children Exposed to Pesticides in Mexico," ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES Vol. 106, No. 6 (June 1998), pgs. 347- 353.
Rachels
Environmental Health and News, 648 - Pesticides and Aggression, April 29, 1999
Chlordane Causes Neurological Disorders and A.D.D. Symptoms Dr. Kaye H. Kilburn and John C.
Thornton, Environmental Sciences Lab, University of Southern California School
of Medicine, Los Angeles, Environmental
Health Perspectives, 103:690-694, 1995 (from TURI pta)
Reproductive Effects: In humans, reduced sperm count and sperm viability were seen in men who were exposed to the product Tamaron in China. http://ace.ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet/pips/methamid.htm
Male infertility after Pesticide Chlordane Exposure Dr. K.
J. Balash, M.A. Al-Omar, et al., Biological Research Center, Scientific
Research Council, Baghdad, Iraq., Bulletin of Environmental Contamination Toxicology, 39:434-442, 1987 (from TURI pta)
Immune System Problems Appear After Indoor Dursban
Exposure, Jack D. Thrasher Ph.D., Roberta Madison, Alan Broughton, Department
of Health Science California State University, Archives of Environmental
Health, 48(2):89-93, March/April 1993. (from TURI pta)
An EPA registration number does not mean safety. The health effects of most pesticide ingredients, their break-down products, and their interactions are not well known.
NIEHS News, Environmental Health Perspectives Vol 108 Numer 12, Dec
2000
Testimony Submitted to the Subcommittee on Department
Operations, Nutrition & Foreign Agriculture June 25, 1998
http://www.cehn.org/cehn/testimony.html
Committee on Agriculture
U.S. House of Representatives
Regarding the Implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act.
by J. Routt Reigart, M.D.
Chair, Children's Environmental Health Network
Under the existing regulatory regime:
· tests are not conducted for a wide range of critical outcomes, such as indications if a pesticide might have a learning, memory or behavioral impact on a fetus or infant, might compromise the immune system, or might have an endocrine disrupting impact;
· dietary exposure data is inadequate;
· EPA has little monitoring data on pesticide contamination of drinking water;
· the EPA has barely started collecting information about children's exposures to pesticides in non-dietary modes, such as in the home, yard, school, and playground; and
· although many pesticides are designed to work by disrupting the nervous system of their targets, tests to see if the pesticide harms a child's developing nervous system are not required.
Thus, given the lack of this information for virtually every pesticide, it cannot be argued that "reliable data" exist to provide the assurance the law requires before changing the ten-fold safety factor. Attached as a part of my testimony and submitted for the record are materials from an April 1998 Congressional staff briefing on these topics presented by nationally-known experts in this field.
Lawn pesticides get carried indoors by shoes, paws and air currents. Once inside, pesticides linger in carpets, dust, toys and air. Away from sunlight and water, pesticides can persist for many months.
Herbicide Found in Air and Surfaces in Homes, Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 109, Number 11, November 2001, Distribution of 2,4-D in Air and on Surfaces inside Residences after Lawn Applications: Comparing Exposure Estimates from Various Media for Young Children, http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2001/109p1185-1191nishioka/abstract.html
Basic Facts
taken from EPA’s The Inside Story – A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html
The amount
of pesticides found in homes appears to be greater than can be explained by
recent pesticide use in those households; other possible sources include
contaminated soil or dust that floats or is tracked in from outside, stored
pesticide containers, and household surfaces that collect and then release the
pesticides. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pesticid.html
Pest Control Technology Magazine, pg 44 August 1987 (TURI pta)
Gurunathan, S., et al., "Accumulation of
Chlorypyrifos on Residential Surfaces and Toys
Accessible to Children," Environmental Health
Perspectives, Vol. 106, No. 1, January 1998.
Fenske, R. et al., "Potential Exposure and Health
Risks of Infants following Indoor Residential
Pesticide
Applications," American Journal of Public Health
80(6): 689-693, 1990.
Wright, C., et al., "Insecticides in the Ambient
Air of Rooms Following Their Application for Control
of Pests," Bulletin of Environmental Contamination &
Toxicology, 26, 548-553, 1981.
Nishioka, M., et al., "Measuring Transport of
Lawn-Applied Herbicide Acids from Turf to Home:
Correlation of Dislodgeable 2,4-D Turf Residues with
Carpet Dust and Carpet Surface Residues,"
Environmental Science Technology, 30:3313-3320, 1996.
U.S. EPA, "Nonoccupational Pesticide Exposure
Study" (NOPES), Atmospheric Research and Exposure
Assessment Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, EPA/600/3-90/003, January 1990.
Lewis, R., et al., "Determination of Routes of
Exposure of Infants and Toddlers to Household
Pesticides: A Pilot Study," Methods of Research
Branch, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1991.
Pesticides contaminate drinking water. Use of pesticides in urban and suburban communities contributes significantly to contamination of our water supplies.
Occurrence of Pesticides in Shallow Ground Water of the United States: Initial Results from the National Water-Quality Assessment Program.” …Pesticide were commonly detected in both agricultural (56.4%; 813 sites) and urban (46.6%; 221 sites) settings. Frequent detections of pesticides in urban areas indicate that, as is the case with agricultural pesticide use in agricultural areas, urban and suburban pesticide use significantly contribute to pesticide occurrence in shallow ground water. Although pesticides were detected in ground water sampled in urban areas and all nine of the agricultural land-use categories examined, significant variations in occurrence were observed among these categories. “ Dana W. Kolpin, Jack E. Barbash, and Robert J. Gilliom . Adapted from original article published in the Environmental Science & Technology, v 32, 1998. http://ca.water.usgs.gov/pnsp/ja/est32/#abs
Children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides. Children are at risk for birth defects, childhood cancers and behavioral problems when household and lawn pesticides are used.
Handbook of Pediatric Environmental Health, American Academy of Pediatrics
Health Effects of 48 Commonly Used Pesticides in Schools, Beyond Pesticides/NCAMP Factsheet, August 2000 http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pcos/toxicity.htm
Common Birth Defects Increase after
Pesticide Exposure – hydrocephaly and cleft palate [animal study], K. Machera,
Laboratory of Pesticide Toxicology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens,
Greece, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination Toxicology, 54:363-369, 1995 (from TURI pta)
Chlordane Causes Neurological Disorders and A.D.D. Symptoms
[human study] Kaye Kilbrun and John Thornton, Environmental Sciences
Laboratory, University of Southern California School of Medicine, LA,
Environmental Health Perspectives, 103:690-694, 1995 (from TURI pta)
Lowengart, R. et al., "Childhood Leukemia and
Parent's Occupational and Home Exposures, " Journal of
the National Cancer Institute 79:39, 1987.
National Research Council, National Academy of
Sciences, Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and
Children, National Academy Press, Washington, DC,
1993: 184-185.
2 US EPA, Office of the Administrator, Environmental
Health Threats to Children, EPA 175-F-96-001,
September 1996.
3 Repetto, R., et al., Pesticides and Immune System:
The Public Health Risk, World Resources Institute,
Washington, DC, March 1996.
4 Vasselinovitch, S., et al., "Neoplastic Response of
Mouse Tissues During Perinatal Age Periods and Its
Significance in Chemical Carcinogensis," Perinatal
Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute Monograph
51, 1979.
5 Cushman, J., "U.S. Reshaping Cancer Strategy as
Incidence in Children Rises," New York Times,
September 29, 1997.
6 American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures,
Oakland, CA, 1996.
7 Ries, L., edited by Harras, A., Cancer Rates and
Risks, National Institutes of Heath Publication No.
96-691, May 1996.
8 Gold, E. et al., "Risk Factors for Brain Tumors in
Children," American Journal of Epidemiology 109(3):
309-319, 1979.
10 Gold, E. et al., "Risk Factors for Brain Tumors in
Children," American Journal of Epidemiology 109(3):
309-319, 1979;
Lowengart, P., et al., "Childhood
Leukemia and Parents' Occupational and Home
Exposures," Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
Vol. 79, No. 1, pp.39-45, 1995;
Reeves, J., "Household
Insecticide-Associated Blood Dyscrasias in Children,"
(letter) American Journal of Pediatric
Hematology/Oncology 4:438-439, 1982;
Davis, J., et
al., "Family Pesticide Use and Childhood Brain Cancer,"
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
24:87-92, 1993;
Leiss, J., et al., "Home Pesticide Use
and Childhood Cancer: A Case-Control Study," American
Journal of Public Health 85:249-252, 1995;
Buckley,J., et al.,
"Epidemiological characteristics of
Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia," Leukemia
8(5):856-864, 1994.
11 Whitmore, R., et al., "National Home and Garden
Pesticide Use Survey Final Report," Research Triangle
Park, NC: Research Triangle Institute, March 1992.
12 Hoar, S., et al., "Agricultural Herbicide Use and a
Risk of Lymphoma and Soft-Tissue Sarcoma, "Journal of
the American Medical Association, 259(9): 1141-1147,
1986;
Wigle, D., et al., "Mortality Study of Canadian
Farm Operators: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Mortality and
Agricultural Practices in Saskatchewan," Journal
of the National Cancer Institute 82(7):575-582, 1990;
Woods, J., "Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Among Phenoxy
Herbicide-Exposed Farm Workers in Western Washington
State," Chemosphere 18(1-6):401-406, 1989;
Zahm, S., et al., "A Case Control Study of
Non-Hodkin's Lymphoma on the Herbicide
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in Eastern
Nebraska" Epidemiology 1(5):349-356, 1990.
Children are more at risk because of their size and behaviors. In a recent study of preschoolers, 99% had one or more pesticides in their bodies.
Handbook of Pediatric Environmental Health, American Academy of Pediatrics
Biological Monitoring Survey of Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure among Pre-school Children in the Seattle Metropolitan Area, 2001, Lu, Knutson, Fisker-Andersen, Fenske, Environmental Health Perspectives, 109:299-203. (TURN pta).
Massachusetts Pesticide Awareness Collaborative
Improving Public Health In Massachusetts
Wellesley Natural Resources Commission
525 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
781 431-1019 x294
nrc@ci.wellesley.ma.us
www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/nrc/pesticide
February, 2002
PESTICIDES ARE: GRUB CONTROL, WEED KILLER, FUNGUS TREATMENT, INSECT SPRAY, CRAB GRASS PREVENTER, INSECTICIDES, HERBICIDES, ETC.
The easiest, most cost effective way to a beautiful, healthy lawn is to work with nature, not against it. A healthy lawn needs nutrients and microbe-rich soil to develop deep rooted, dense turf that competes successfully with weeds. Dense turf is beautiful and low maintenance. It naturally resists drought, insects and diseases.
Pesticides are not necessary for a beautiful lawn. In fact, they can do more harm than good. They kill the microbial life necessary for healthy soil and can kill the pest's natural enemies. This invites disease and insect infestation, which leads to more pesticide use and traps you in an unhealthy, costly chemical cycle.
Paul Sachs lecture, author of:
HANDBOOK OF $UCCESSFUL ECOLOGICAL LAWN CARE by Paul D. Sachs. Although written for professionals, this handbook offers vital information to any serious lawn steward interested in reducing or eliminating chemicals without sacrificing turf quality. It is guaranteed to make lawn care professionals think about the way in which they do business, both at the site and in the office. This book contains some very new information on lawn care alternatives. See the enclosed brochure for more information on this title. Softcover, 284 pages, $18.95.
ECOLOGICAL GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT by Paul D. Sachs and Richard T. Luff is the most comprehensive work ever done on ecological turf management. It's a must-have for any superintendent interested in reducing or eliminating chemical pesticide use. It has been said that the only sure things in life are death and taxes but, for golf course superintendents, the requirement to reduce or eliminate pesticides may soon be added to that list. Indeed, for some it is already mandated. Like it or not the environmental movement is gaining momentum and it is not going to go away. Managing golf turf is not an easy task but may soon be daunting if chemical tools are no longer an option. Ecological Golf Course Management addresses the concerns of both the superintendent and the environmentalist. This book approaches quality turf management through an understanding of turf ecosystem dynamics conveyed in easy-to-read text. The turf manager will gain critical knowledge of natural soil system dynamics that has never been discussed in turf books before. This book focuses on managing the health and welfare of all soil organisms from a single-celled bacterium to fully developed turf plants and connects the reader to the important and relevant interactions between them. It points out ways to exploit natural plant defense systems that have been largely ignored and to engage many of the powerful allies that live above and below ground. Hardcover, 200 pages, $59.95.
THE CHEMICAL - FREE LAWN by Warren Schultz is a comprehensive lawn care reference with tips from experts across the country on how to: Choose a variety of grass that fits the site; Cut down on mowing; Rejuvenate worn out lawns; Combat problems from grubs, dogs, moles, and other lawn pests without chemicals; Identify and control weeds and diseases without chemicals; and Fertilize without harsh chemicals.. Schultz describes clearly how to establish and maintain beautiful lawns without chemical contamination. Softcover, 194 pages, $14.95.
Basic lawn care tips:
Spread 1/4” compost, or sprinkle organic fertilizer, each fall.
Seed with a mix of hardy grasses.
Mow high! Keep mower blades sharp.
Leave grass clippings on lawn as fertilizer.
Water only when soil is dry 6” down. 1” water per watering.
Overseed in the spring and fall.
Strive for a soil pH around 6.8.
SIMPLE STEPS TO
ORGANIC LAWN CARE
YEARLY SCHEDULE
March March & April
Sharpen mower blades.
Raise mower blade to 3 inches.
Test soil: UMass Soil Testing Lab, 413-545-2311, www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest.
Add soil amendments based on soil test.
Re-seed bare patches, or apply corn gluten to prevent weed germination.
Always leave clippings on lawn to fertilize.
May and June
Check for weeds; pull out by hand.
Re-seed bare spots.
Monitor for insect pests.
If you have grub damage, spot treat with milky spore (once every ten years) and/or with beneficial nematodes (once yearly for 2 or 3 years).
August
You may allow lawn to go dormant during drought. It will green up after rain.
September and October
Best time to seed (generously).
Fertilize if needed (sparingly) or top dress with ¼ inch compost.
Aerate if soil is compacted.
Lime if an autumn soil test finds pH lower than about 6.8.
November
Final mowing at 2 inches for easier leaf raking.
Above lawn care tips from Northeast Organic Farming Association Committee on Organic Land Care members Priscilla Williams and Mike Nadeau articles in Guide to Organic Solutions to Common Lawn and Yard Problems, 2001.
Simple Steps to Organic Lawn Care, Marblehead Pesticide Awareness Committee, 2001.
MANAGING YOUR
LAWN SERVICE
Ask for an organic program. Organic lawn service is available in our area (see below).
Specify mowing high with sharp blades.
Request corn gluten and organic fertilizer instead of “Weed and Feed” products.
Refuse routine application of pesticides.
Beware if a lawn service tells you a chemical application is safe. Federal EPA regulations prohibit manufacturers from making pesticide safety claims, even if used as directed. All pesticides must be treated with caution.
EPA website on labels http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/labeling/lrm/chap-12.htm
Types of false or misleading statements:
Claims as to the safety of the pesticide or its ingredients, including statements such as "safe," "nonpoisonous," "noninjurious," "harmless" or "nontoxic to humans and pets" with or without such a qualifying phrase as "when used as directed"; and
Non-numerical and/or comparative statements on the safety of the product, including but not limited to:
(A) "Contains all natural
ingredients"
(B) "Among the least toxic chemicals known"
(C) "Pollution approved"
Never allow unidentified products to be used on your lawn. Request safety information and read it before application. Look up toxicity at www.pesticide.org.
Be aware that chemicals listed as inert ingredients can be highly toxic.
About Inerts
[from EPA]
http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/inerts/
Since neither the federal law nor the regulations define the term "inert" on the basis of toxicity, hazard or risk to humans, non-target species, or the environment, it should not be assumed that all inert ingredients are non-toxic.
Take note: many pesticides persist in lawns and soil long after the posted 24-72 hours.
E X T O X N E T Extension Toxicology Network Pesticide Information Profiles A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program. EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University Revised June 1996 Breakdown in soil and groundwater: 2,4-D has low soil persistence. The half-life in soil is less than 7 days [21]. Soil microbes are primarily responsible for its disappearance [20]. Despite its short half-life in soil and in aquatic environments, the compound has been detected in groundwater supplies in at least five States and in Canada [20]. Very low concentrations have also been detected in surface waters throughout the U.S. [23].
Ask for an organic program. Know that an organic lawn can take up to 3 years to fully establish.
Organic lawn care has been defined by the Northeast Organic Farming Association in their Standards for Organic Land Care. Order a copy from www.massorganic.org.
Organic lawn service is available in our area. Check for current listings at www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/nrc/pesticide.
FIND OUT MORE
Organic Gardening Supplies
Gardens Alive, (812)537-8650, www.gardensalive.com
Needham Garden Center, Needham, 781-444-2401
Osborne's Florist and Greenhouse, Marblehead, 781-631-2467
Russell's Garden Center, Wayland, 508-358-2283
Windy Lo Nursery, Natick, 508-655-0910
Local Organizations
Poison Free Lawns, www.poisonfreelawns.com
Northeast Organic Farming Association, 978-355-2853, www.massorganic.org
Toxics Use Reduction Institute, 978-934-3275, www.turi.org
Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, 617-497-7440, www.igc.org/psr
Toxics Action Center, 617-292-4821, www.toxicsaction.org
Books
Common Sense Pest Control by W. Olkowski, S. Daar, and H. Olkowski, 1991
Handbook of Successful Ecological Lawn Care by Paul Sachs, 1996
Tiny Game Hunting by Hilary Klein and Adrian Wenner, 2001
SIMPLE STEPS TO ORGANIC LAWN CARE
Recently Banned Pesticides
Do not buy products containing Chlorpyrifos (Dursban™, Lorsban™) or Diazinon, as the EPA has concluded they pose unacceptable health risks.
Today, EPA announced an agreement to phase-out diazinon, one of the most widely used pesticides in the United States, for indoor uses, beginning in March 2001, and for all lawn, garden and turf uses by December 2003. http://yosemite1.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/016bcfb1deb9fecd85256aca005d74df/c8cdc9ea7d5ff585852569ac0077bd31?OpenDocument
To protect
the health and environment of all Americans, especially children, the
Clinton-Gore Administration today announced that the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the manufacturer of Dursban have agreed to eliminate the
widely used pesticide for nearly all household purposes. Dursban, also known as
chlorpyrifos, is the most widely used household pesticide product in the United
States. Today's action will also significantly reduce residues of chlorpyrifos
on several foods regularly eaten by children.
http://yosemite1.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/016bcfb1deb9fecd85256aca005d74df/880b35adc877c301852568f8005399ed?OpenDocument
New Massachusetts Pesticide Law
To protect children, all schools in the state must now restrict pesticide use. It's up to you to protect them at home.
Herbicides in Compost Warning
Do not compost grass clippings treated with the herbicides clopyralid (in Confront™) or picloram, or allow grass clippings from treated lawns to go to municipal compost facilities. The resulting compost can kill plants.
From BioCycle
Journal of Composting &Organics Recycling
July 2001, Page 25 ONE YEAR has passed since the Washington State University
(WSU) composting facility and the Spokane Regional Compost Facility discovered
traces of persistent herbicides in their composts. In Spokane, the source of
contamination is a compound called clopyralid. Compost contamination at WSU
initially involved the herbicide picloram, but clopyralid has since been
detected in the compost also. In both cases, the compost damaged sensitive
plants at local gardens and nurseries. Several articles published at that time
brought the issues to the forefront (see “Dealing with Herbicide Residues in
Compost,” September, 2000 BioCycle and also the references, Bezdicek, et al.
2000, and Miltner and Stahnke, 2000). Clopyralid contamination has since been
reported at a yard trimmings facility in Cheney, Washington and at a horse
facility in Whitman County Washington. Incidents in Pennsylvania and New
Zealand have also come to light.
http://www.jgpress.com/BCArticles/2001/070125.html
This brochure is funded in part by grants from the
Toxics Use Reduction Institute at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell,
and the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
References for information presented in this brochure are available, along with more information, at:
www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/nrc/pesticide
Now is the time to make the move to non-toxic lawn care. For yourself, your children, your pets and the environment.