Lawn chemicals have come under tremendous scrutiny in recent years and have been blamed for everything from poisoned wells to sickness in children and even death. 1 Children and infants are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to crawl through treated grass and put fingers or grass in their mouths.
Is your lawn chemicals poisoning your child?
Lawn chemicals have come under tremendous scrutiny in recent years and have been blamed for everything from poisoned wells to sickness in children and even death. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to crawl through treated grass and put fingers or grass in their mouths.
Can kids play on lawn fertilization treatments?
It's no secret that kids love playing outside and getting into messes, but should they be on your lawn if it receives routine fertilization treatments? After the fertilizer has been completely absorbed into the soil, yes.
Are lawn treatments safe for pets and children?
Throughout the year, fertilizer treatments are often applied along with weed control treatments and insecticides, which can also cause reactions in pets and children. Please consult with your lawn care company to inform yourself of the weed controls and insecticides that are used on your property and the rates at which they are being applied.
Are lawn chemicals bad for You?
Lawn Chemicals Can Be Toxic Lawn chemicals have come under tremendous scrutiny in recent years and have been blamed for everything from poisoned wells to sickness in children and even death. 1 Children and infants are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to crawl through treated grass and put fingers or grass in their mouths.
Is lawn treatment bad for kids?
All pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides are toxic on some level. Along with killing pests and weeds, they can also harm you, your children, your pets, and any wildlife on your lawn. Young children are especially at risk from pesticides. Their bodies and immune systems are still developing.
Is grass fertilizer harmful to humans?
Fertilizer can be irritating if it gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth. It can cause stomach upset if swallowed. Usually, there are no other problems with the types of fertilizers sold for home use. BUT – and this is a big "but" – some fertilizer products also contain weed killers and insecticides.
Can fertilizer be harmful to children?
Fertilizers are often combined with weedkillers or made with products that can be toxic. Depending on how they're used and how children are exposed, they can indeed be harmful. Luckily, there are safer alternatives, particularly for young children and babies.
Are lawn treatments toxic?
Yes. Pesticides used in controlling weeds, insects, etc., are toxic. These chemicals have been created to kill pests and most are broad-spectrum biocides. This means they are poisonous to a wide variety of living organisms, including garden plants, wildlife, pets, your neighbors, your family and you.
How long should you stay off grass after pesticide?
Most herbicides and insecticides for lawns warn people to stay off the grass for only 24 hours after use.
How do I make my lawn safe for kids?
3 Steps To a Greener, Safer, Child-Friendly LawnThe Importance of a Safe, Child-Friendly Lawn.Choose a Safe Fertilizer and Apply in the Fall.Mow Less Often and Leave More Grass.Skip or Lower Your Watering Schedule.Other Ways to Keep a Safe, Green Lawn.Get Out and ENJOY Your Toxin-Free Lawn.
How long after granular lawn treatment is it safe for pets?
24 hoursGranular fertilizer manufacturers overall urge pet owners to allow 24 hours before allowing animals and people back onto the lawn.
What happens if my dog eats too much fertilizer?
If your pet ingests too much organic fertilizer, you could be staring down a costly vet bill as it can cause bowel obstruction and other indigestion issues. Consult with a lawn care company such as Gatsby Grounds Company about ...
Is fertilizer safe for pets?
Getting a lush, green lawn takes a lot of routine maintenance and work, including regular fertilization and weed control treatments. Lawn care professionals often are asked if these treatments are safe for kids and pets, and the answer depends on a few things. Learn here if fertilizer and weed control treatments are safe for your pets ...
Can fertilizer cause reactions in pets?
Throughout the year, fertilizer treatments are often applied along with weed control treatments and insecticides, which can also cause reactions in pets and children. Please consult with your lawn care company to inform yourself of the weed controls and insecticides that are used on your property and the rates at which they are being applied.
Why is Safeshell a good choice for playgrounds?
Another reason Safeshell is a safe bet? It keeps the surface of synthetic turf systems cool, which is especially useful on playgrounds that overheat and become painful to touch on hot summer days . Learn more about why Safeshell is an amazing turf infill option for playgrounds and homes with kids.
What is artificial turf infill?
Artificial turf infill is installed into the turf of home and playground turf systems and makes regular contact with the people who spend time on them. With that amount of exposure, you can see why it’s important to choose turf infill products made from high-quality, traceable materials that pass rigorous safety standards.
Is Envirofill safe for playgrounds?
Create a safer playground and artificial grass backyard with Envirofill. There are plenty of benefits to installing a turf system with Envirofill, particularly in family backyards and playgrounds. Envirofill measures up to rigorous safety standards.
Can you use shock pads on turf?
The answer is yes, and you can ensure the highest level of safety by including a shock pad (to reduce the risk of injury with falls) and by selecting a non-toxic, high-quality turf infill free from allergens, dust, and heavy metals.
Is safeshell turf safe?
Safeshell for Playgrounds and Homes with Artificial Grass. Safeshell is a turf infill solution that’s completely safe and natural, made from walnut shells grown in the United States. It’s non-toxic, allergen-free, and even food-grade! Another reason Safeshell is a safe bet?
How long does it take for grass to keep pets off?
Many contain labels that say to keep pets off the grass for 72 hours, but each fertilizer’s safety varies by type:
Why do you need to apply fertilizer and herbicide?
Applying fertilizer and herbicide is vital to creating that healthy lawn in which your kids and pets can play. These products can give your lawn a lush, green look and feel that your kids, pets, and you will love! Just make sure to follow all the safety precautions, and you will be prepared for any potential issues.
How long does it take for herbicide to work?
Herbicides can stick around for a few days, so 72 hours is a safe time frame to keep your children and pets off the lawn. Using these products helps your lawn flourish and keeps those pesky weeds from growing in places where you don’t want to see them.
What is slow release fertilizer?
Specially formulated slow-release treatments give your lawn nutrients it needs to grow. While maintaining your lawn, you also need to make sure weed control is a priority by using pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. With these fertilizer and herbicide applications comes chemicals and many homeowners have concerns about whether those ...
Why does fertilizer smell bad for dogs?
Dogs especially will be attracted to the smell of organic fertilizer, since it’s made from animal byproducts like bone meal or blood meal. Ingesting too much of this product can cause dogs to have digestive irritation or even a bowel obstruction, costing you a hefty vet bill.
Does potassium kill weeds?
Finally, potassium gives a plant the nutrients it needs during its growth stages and also helps to prevent plant diseases in your yard. These fertilizers do contain some natural elements, but may also contain herbicides to kill weeds. In order to avoid pet poisoning, it’s recommended to keep your pets off of the lawn until ...
Can fertilizer cause seizures in dogs?
Make sure your fertilizer doesn’t have iron in it. Some fertilizers have dangerous herbicides in them like organophosphates which can cause symptoms in dogs like tremors, seizures, and sometimes abnormal heart rates.
How hot does artificial turf get?
Fields with artificial turf tend to get far hotter than grass fields. Field surface temperatures can reach as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, even with athletic shoes on, children can get burned feet.
Is crumb rubber safe for kids?
There is little question in the mind of many scientists that crumb rubber should not be a first choice material for children to play on. Parents should be able to just enjoy watching their children playing sports and not worry that they are being put unnecessarily at risk.
Is artificial turf harder than grass?
Because it is laid over either concrete or compacted earth, artificial turf is a harder surface than grass . This can increase the risk of injuries, particularly concussions. The unit used to describe hardness is Gmax.
Is artificial turf a biocide?
Unfortunately, a variety of health concerns have been linked to these products. Also, artificial turf is often treated with biocides, as turf has been associated with increased risk of infections from Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a dangerous infection because it is resistant to many antibiotics.
How to treat pests in a lawn?
Basically, this means using holistic ways to treat pests when possible, such as mowing your lawn higher to shade out weeds or planting more disease-resistant types of grasses or plants, and only using pesticides when needed. • Give nature a little time to work. Damaged parts of your lawn may bounce back over time.
Why is it better to mow grass at a higher height?
To mow your grass at a longer height, you may need to adjust the blades on your mower, since many are adjusted too low.
What is the first step to a healthy lawn?
Pests often indicate that your lawn isn't getting the nutrients it needs. The first step to a healthy lawn is healthy soil. Without healthy soil, grass and other plants have a harder time growing and staying healthy.
What does it mean to have a safe lawn?
Setting Realistic Goals for Your Lawn. Having a safer lawn may mean that you learn to live with a weed or two. But even healthy lawns have a few weeds and pests. Knowing that your kids are safe when playing hide-and-seek or leapfrog should make any weeds that do pop up a little easier to tolerate.
How to protect skin from pesticides?
Use pesticides just where you have the problem. • Read the label on the pesticide carefully and follow the instructions. • Wear gloves, and long pants and sleeves while using the pesticide to protect your skin. Wash clothing separately before wearing them again.
What is the best soil pH for grass?
A soil test will tell you what the pH level is and whether your soil needs extra nutrients. Most grasses do best in a soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Is pesticide poisonous to children?
If so, you could be putting your family at risk. All pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides are toxic on some level. Along with killing pests and weeds, they can also harm you, your children, your pets, and any wildlife on your lawn. Young children are especially at risk from pesticides. Their bodies and immune systems are still developing.
What are the effects of herbicides on lawns?
Herbicides are the single largest component of the fertilizer-pesticide-herbicide mix annually poured on our lawns. Like pesticides, over-exposure to herbicides can have deadly consequences. Studies have linked herbicide exposure to cancers of the colon, lung, nose, prostate, and ovary as well as to leukemia and multiple myeloma. Occupational exposure to herbicides of the sort suffered by agricultural workers and those who spray our yards has been shown to lead to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How many pesticides are in lawns?
The National Coalition for Pesticide Free Lawns reports that of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 are linked with cancer or carcinogenicity, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 15 with neurotoxicity, and 11 with disruption of the endocrine (hormonal) system.
What to do after a lawn test?
If, after testing, your lawn is found to need certain nutrients, use organic products and spread them carefully to avoid runoff. While many state and municipalities are beginning to heed calls for safer lawns in parks, playgrounds and other public spaces, others are following business as usual.
What is the problem with nitrogen fertilizer?
The most visible, pervasive problem from nitrogen and especially phosphorus in fertilizer is eutrophication, or oxygen depletion. This is the process that has created the infamous ocean “ dead zones ” near coastal areas and destroyed fish populations in freshwater lakes.
Where did grass lawns originate?
Archeologists believe that the human love affair with grass lawns goes back to prehistoric times when our ancestors lived on the short-grass savannas of Africa. Grazed down by vast herds of game, the savannas gave those early humans an abundant source of food and a wide-ranging view towards predators.
Which countries have banned nitrogen fertilizers?
The U.S., Britain and other countries have begun strictly controlling the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers on agricultural land in the hopes of limiting eutrophication. And some states, like Minnesota, have severely limited phosphorous use (it’s estimated that half of America’s lakes are eutrophic).
Is organic lawn weed free?
And there’s no reason that a well-cared for, health-conscious organic lawn can’t be just as weed-free and water-wise as the heavily fertilized, regularly herbicide-doused yards that, sadly, are the American standard. Here’s your best weapon in the War on Weeds.
What is the chemical used in lawns?
The active ingredient most widely used on residential lawns in the United States is a chemical mixture called 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, or 2,4-D, which is sold in differing formulations under a variety of trade names.
How long should I stay away from a lawn?
Many companies that use these chemicals warn that people should stay away from sprayed surfaces for six to 24 hours. Yet a 2013 study examining the levels of lawn pesticides in the urine of dogs found that herbicides persisted on lawn surfaces for at least 48 hours after spraying.
How often do you have to reevaluate pesticides?
All approved pesticides must undergo reevaluation for safety every 15 years.
How long should I leave weed killer on my lawn?
For some products, that may require staying off the lawn for only an hour or two until the product is dry, Shaw says.
Is it safe to spray pesticides on lawns?
This is the time of year when pesticides get sprayed on lawns, parks and golf courses. Though the goal may be to make these green spaces more pleasant places to play — fewer bugs, fewer weeds — these treatments may not be as safe as you assume. Most people are “not aware of the hazards that the unthinking use of pesticides poses to their children,” ...
Do you have to put signs on lawns after spraying pesticides?
Many states and counties require that signs be placed on turf that has been treated. Maryland, for instance, requires commercial applicators to post signs following the spraying of pesticides on lawns and other landscapes but does not require homeowners to do the same.
How to treat grass allergies?
Here are four steps to reduce your reactions to grass if you can’t avoid it: 1. Reduce exposure. When you can, try to avoid being around the grass that irritates you.
What is grass allergy?
What is a grass allergy? An allergic reaction occurs when you come in contact or breathe in a substance you’re hypersensitive to. Grass allergies occur when you breathe in pollen coming from the type of grass that causes your immune system to attack.
How do you know if you have a grass pollen allergy?
The most common symptoms include: runny or stuffy nose. itchy throat, mouth, skin, or eyes. puffy eyes. fatigue. headache or sinus pressure. sneezing.
Can you go outside with high grass pollen?
If the grass pollen count is high, avoid going outside as much as possible. You can find the pollen count online. Learn when the season of highest grass pollen counts is in your area, too. If you must go outdoors, wear a face mask for pollen.
Can you take allergy medication for grass?
If you have a mild allergy to grass, you can use over-the-counter allergy medication to combat the symptoms. If your allergy is more severe or frequent, your doctor may prescribe one of the following:
Can you be allergic to grass?
You could be allergic to one type of grass or many . Identifying the type of grass causing your allergy can help you try to avoid it. The most common grasses that cause allergies are:
Just What Is It, Anyway?
More to The Problem Than Crumbs
- Lawn chemicals have come under tremendous scrutiny in recent years and have been blamed for everything from poisoned wells to sickness in children and even death. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to crawl through treated grass and put fingers or grass in their mouths. Many municipalities have banned pest...
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