Q: My husband has some significant health problems – high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, severe recurrent arterial stenosis with several stents, neurological issues with balance, tremor, memory issues and fatigue.
He takes Toprol XL, Clonidine, coumadin and Crestor. Our neurologist did a thorough health history and asked many questions about chemicals, lead paint, new rugs, bug repellent with DEET, lawn spraying, etc. I’m beginning to wonder about all of this. Our neighbors have their lawn sprayed often. One has it done eight times from April to October. This spraying is now illegal in Ontario, Canada. What do they know that we don’t? Can any of this have had an effect on my husband’s neurological health? I failed to mention, we have five cancers on our street within seven of our neighbors. Sign me Wondering About Chemicals in WNY.
A: Any pesticides legally used in this country must be registered with the EPA; however, registration does not indicate the products are safe, nor does it guarantee the chemicals have been fully tested for their environmental and human health effects. Thirty six of the pesticides most commonly used on lawns were registered almost 30 years ago. Studies have shown that of these 36 pesticides, 14 are probable carcinogens, 15 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 22 with liver or kidney damage, 24 with neuro-toxicity, and 34 are irritants or sensitizers.
It appears the federal law governing pesticide use relies on what is referred to as a risk-benefit statute, allowing the use of pesticides with known hazards based on the judgment that various levels of risk are acceptable. It appears the required toxicity studies have yet to be either performed or submitted. On the flip side, some individuals believe the benefits of using pesticides on a lawn for aesthetic purposes does not outweigh the health risks associated with their exposure. Pesticide residue remains on grass even when dry and inhalation and dermal exposure are a reality.
The professional lawn maintenance business has developed into a billion dollar industry and to create better lawns, those companies rely on chemical pesticides. As with most pesticides, these chemicals have the potential to create serious problems that affect human health and our environment. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the EPA is required to evaluate the risks and benefits of a proposed pesticide BEFORE it is registered for use.
So, how do we keep that nice green lawn surrounding our homes? Consider going organic. Natural lawn care companies are growing in popularity but may require investigation on the part of the consumer before hiring the professional to assure the product or products used are safe. There is at least one and perhaps more fertilizers on the market that stresses a “natural base”. In reality, this product has a small percentage of composed chicken manure that is mixed with a large percentage of synthetic, petroleum-based fertilizer. Let the buyer beware.
DEET is the active ingredient in numerous insect repellent products available on the market today. It is commonly used to repel biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. The product is available in liquid, lotion, spray and in materials such as wrist bands. The product repels, but does not kill. Based on extensive toxicity testing, the EPA considers that as long as consumers follow the label directions provided, it does not pose a health concern. As a point of information, the EPA completed its review of the product 15 years ago. The percentage of DEET in products varies greatly so consumers should be aware of what is included in the package they are purchasing.
With regard to the Canadian ban, and I quote, “science hasn’t yet proven what effect, if any, pesticides have on our health, but given the risks, governments must err on the side of caution. The lack of scientific certainty cannot be an excuse to delay action to protect health and the environment.”
One company that manufactures 2,4-D has decided to sue the federal government and seek $2 million in damages, arguing that Quebec’s rules violate Canada’s trade obligations because it prohibits a product without any scientific basis. This one may rattle around in the court system for many years to come, so stay tuned.
So, could your neighbors’ zeal for an award-winning yard be the cause of your husband’s plethora of medical issues and the frightening number of cancer cases in your neighborhood? Because I don’t know the herbicide your neighbors use or what they are spraying for, I cannot analyze the potential for harmful ingredients. Maybe they are environmentally conscious and going organic. Therefore, my answer is perhaps, but yours is a million dollar question that could be disputed for years to come. Good luck.
