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Four Ways To Protect Family Members From Pesticide Toxins And Still Have A Great Looking Lawn!

By Therese | April 23, 2008

People are exposed to pesticides primarily in the home. Although there are other types of pesticide products used on a regular basis inside the home, we’ll just focus on lawn and garden products.  The pesticide gets into the home from family members, friends and pets tracking the residue inside.  Even opening the door to go in or out allows the airborne particles into your home. 

Since U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) estimates that people spend 60-90% indoors this is a real health problem.

Four suggestions for lowering the exposure of your family to lawn care pesticides:

1. Read the label for any product you’re getting ready to buy and look for three key words: Caution, Warning or Danger.   CAUTION - low toxicity, WARNING - moderate toxicity, DANGER - high toxicity.

2. To minimize pesticide track-in from outdoor treated areas, on a regular basis remove shoes before entering the home.  You can also use a shoe cleaning device before entering the home.

3. With pets it gets a little tricky, limit their access to newly treated portions of your lawn. My grandpuppy, Sophia, stops on the rug by the door on rainy days and waits for my daughter to wipe the mud off her paws with an old towel.  Sophia wasn’t thrilled at first, but it’s second nature to her now.  I realize this won’t work with every dog and may not be practical in the long run, but for a short period of time after application of a pesticide you might try it.

4. This one is common sense, but worth repeating.  Store the pesticide in the original container and in a secure area away from where people and animals spend a lot of time.  Make sure they are in areas which are not accessible to children.

These are just a few simple suggestions.  They won’t offer 100% protection, but any decrease in exposure is a plus for your family and pets.

 

 

Topics: Pesticides |

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