By: Suzanne Elston
Last week, the American Academy of Neurology released a pesticide study that has environmental and health activists on both sides of the border nodding in agreement.
According to the study, pesticide use in the home and garden increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a chronic nervous disorder characterized by a fine slowly-spreading tremor, muscular weakness and rigidity. The preliminary results from this study mirror what is already known about the increased risk of Parkinson's disease associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. Researchers found that people who had been exposed to pesticides were about two times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than people not exposed to pesticides.
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Since 1994, when a Statistics Canada report linked non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with pesticide use in farmers, an increasing number of victims are speaking out about their widespread use |
The damaging effects that pesticides can have on the human body are becoming more widely accepted by the medical community. Since 1994, when a Statistics Canada report linked non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with pesticide use in farmers, an increasing number of victims are speaking out about their widespread use.
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In 1938, just 7 known insects and mite species were resistant to pesticides. By 1984, there were 447 resistant species. |
Sadly, few people are listening. The worldwide pesticide market continues to grow at a staggering rate. It's estimated that global sales of pesticides have increased to $31.25 billion (U.S.) in 1996 from $2.7 billion in 1970. What's startling about these figures is that on a per acre comparison, the use of pesticides in urban areas is 15 times greater than in agricultural areas.
This dramatic increase is due in part to a spiraling chemical dependency that began as a business opportunity. The so-called perfect lawn is a fabrication of the industry that aims to provide it. Pesticide companies have seen a marketing opportunity and seized it. There is nothing either sinister or illegal about their actions. But once a cycle of chemical dependency has been established, our lawns require an increasing quantity of chemicals just to survive. In the process, we are also destroying our lawn's natural ability to protect itself against so-called pests. The more chemicals we use, the more resistant the pests become. The Worldwatch Institute reports that in 1938, just 7 known insects and mite species were resistant to pesticides. By 1984, there were 447 resistant species, including many major agricultural pests.
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For "do-it-yourselfers", it's possible to go organic with a little work and some basic information |
The good news is that we can avoid exposing ourselves, our families and our environment to a potentially lethal toxic soup without putting lawn care companies out of business. If the goal is to provide job opportunities, there is another way. What these companies could offer are alternative systems that improve lawns and gardens without chemicals. Keep in mind that developing a healthy, chemical-free lawn takes time. Organic gardening experts estimate that it takes three to five years to break the chemical cycle and allow beneficial insects and micro-organisms to return completely to the soil. If that doesn't provide an opportunity for long-term lawn care contracts, I don't know what does.
For "do-it-yourselfers", it's possible to go organic with a little work and some basic information. To begin the process, lawns should be aerated, and any thatch build-up - i.e. dead grass and root fibres - removed. Applying a pest-resistant species of grass seed and clover is also recommended. Grass should be cut no less than three inches high.
Pesticide alternative: Ladybug larvae are known to eat 30 aphids - greenhouse and garden pests - per day |
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Correct watering is another major lawn care factor. Over-watering causes shallow roots, which leaves lawns unable to tolerate dry periods. Rather than light daily watering, a good soak - about 2.5 cm - no more than once a week is suggested. To conserve water, check to make sure there hasn't been a heavy rainfall within the last seven days. Allow water to penetrate deeply to the root system to encourage root growth. Evaporation is a problem when watering is done during the heat of the day, so water in the early morning. Evening watering can leave roots damp, which promotes fungal growth and leads to an unhealthy lawn.
A number of innovative new tools are available that make pulling dandelions and other weeds relatively effortless. The best time to weed is after a rain or watering, when the ground is soft.
Suzanne Elston is a syndicated newspaper columnist, radio commentator and motivational speaker, but considers being a parent her most important job. Her most recently published work is a contribution to Sweeping the Earth: Women Taking Action for a Healthy Planet. Along with her husband Brian and their three wonderful children, she lives in their the family's 1827 farmhouse. Suzanne can be contacted at selston@tvo.org. Suzanne's Straight Goods column appears bi-weekly.
Get More/Do More
- The World Wildlife Fund's (www.wwfcanada.org) booklet "Reducing Your Risk From Pesticides" suggests buying organically grown foods, avoiding freshly sprayed lawns and opting for a pesticide-free garden. For a free copy, call the WWF toll-free at 1-800-267-2632.
- For more information about the American Academy of Neurology; visit its Web site at www.aan.com.
- PANNA (Pesticide Action Network North America) is a great resource. The site has a fully searchable database and lots of information about health effects and alternatives to pesticides; go to www.igc.apc.org/panna.
- Need information about organic gardening? Check out www.tvorganics.com. This Vancouver based company is the first Canadian website to offer a full range of organic fertilizers, predatory insects, and organic seed, all in Canadian dollars.
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