What are pesticides?Pesticides are poisons designed to kill a variety of plants and animals such as insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides) and mold or fungus (fungicides). Pesticides include active ingredients (chemical compounds designed to kill the target organisms) and inert ingredients which may be carcinogens or toxic substances.
Are pesticides safe?
No one can assure your safety when using pesticides. Most pesticides are associated with some risk to human health or the environment.
Are pesticides registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) really safe?
No. EPA registration is not a consumer product safety program. It is not intended to determine the safety of the pesticide, but rather to indicate it will kill a targeted pest. The EPA is now reconsidering the registration of many pesticides which have been on the market for years, registered before the current testing requirements took effect. This re-registration process will take years to complete. Meanwhile, these pesticides are still on the market. The following pesticides are among many that fall into this category: carbaryl, dicamba, glyphosate, malathion, maneb and methoxychlor.
What are the potential health effects of common pesticides?
The EPA has identified health effects such as eye, skin, respiratory or throat irritation and muscle spasms in humans and animals. There may be long term health risks from pesticide exposure:
- A National Cancer Institute study indicated that children are as much as six times more likely to get childhood leukemia when pesticides are used in the home and garden.
- A report from the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" suggests that non-Hodgkins lymphoma may be linked to pesticide exposure.
- According to a report in the "American Journal of Epidemiology," more children with brain tumors and other cancers were found to have had exposure to insecticides than children without cancer.
- As explained in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute," heavy and prolonged exposure to DDT may cause pancreatic cancer.
- 95% of the pesticides used on residential lawns are considered probable or possible carcinogens by the EPA.
- Organophosphates, like Diazinon and Dursban, and carbamates are designed to act as nerve poisons and may cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, twitching muscles and mental confusion. Diazinon is banned for use on golf courses and sod farms, but is widely used on lawns and gardens.
- 2, 4-D was a component of Agent Orange and is used in about 1,500 lawn care products
Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin, swallowed or inhaled. During application, pesticides drift and settle on porches, laundry, toys, pools and furniture. People and pets may track pesticide residue into the house.
Are there healthy alternatives to deal with insects, weeds and fungus?
Yes. The use of chemicals can be eliminated by natural or mechanical lawn care practices which build a strong vigorous lawn. Healthy lawns are better able to resist weeds and pests. Organic natural methods of lawn and garden care, as well as household insect problems are available. Pull out weeds manually. Use biological controls or less toxic pesticides like insecticidal, herbicidal, or fungicidal soaps for serious problems.
Consumers who use toxic substances and those who cannot avoid their use by others, are urged to learn about the pesticides they are using, their health effects and the precautions they should take. Be especially careful with children, they may be more susceptible to the possible effects of pesticides.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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NY State Attorney General Environmental Protection Bureau (716) 847-7149 |
Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Information Hotline (800) 858-7378 |