Environmental Problems
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been linked to a number of environmental problems and issues. The chemicals contained in them don’t just stay on the plants they are used on, but seep into the soil, the ground water, and are carried by the breeze sometimes for miles where they then contaminate other plants.
These contaminants that soak into the ground water then get into wells which supply drinking water, Evaporation results in them being present in rain which then causes contamination to lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The chemicals in these fertilizers and pesticides have been linked to the severe decline in the honeybee population, the increase of cancerous tumours in wild animals, and the poisoning of fish. The effects of these chemicals on the environment are being felt around the world and are affecting the balance of nature.
However, the dangers of these chemicals to humans may be even worse.
Health Problems In Humans Related To Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers
While the problems that chemical fertilizers and pesticides cause to nature is frightening, it is even more frightening when one considers the risk that these chemicals pose to human health. They have been linked to cancer in both children and adults, as well as effecting the development of the fetus, especially the brain development.
In addition, studies show that the chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides can effect the proper function of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems in humans, and these dangers are not only present in commercial farming areas, but in metropolitan areas as well. In fact, there are more chemical fertilizers and pesticides used per acre in lawn care than on commercial farms.
The risk that these dangerous chemicals pose is so severe than many municipalities have passed ordinances limiting the use of them. In Canada, cities are limiting, or altogether avoiding, the use of these fertilizers and pesticides in the cities, green spaces, and New Zealand has strict laws governing the use of these poisonous substances.
Playing Your Part
However, limiting the use of these pesticides and fertilizers shouldn’t just be the responsibility of the Government. Individuals and families can also play a huge role in reducing the dangers of these toxic chemical products by choosing a more organic approach to lawn care and gardening. This will help to protect your own family and outdoor pets from harm as well as helping to keep your neighbors safe and protecting the environment.
Even if you have chosen to use chemical lawn care products in the past, by avoiding those products now you are giving the ground, plants, and even ground water, a chance to recover from the damage these chemicals have caused. This will have positive effects on your health, the health of your family, your community and the world at large. There are many organic means of keeping that lawn and those flowers beautiful, as well as keeping your vegetable garden producing without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Learning safer methods of lawn care can give you the beautiful lawn you are looking for without the dangers that pesticides and fertilizers pose to the health of the environment or
your family.
Do you use chemical fertilizers and pesticides? Have you considered using some safer alternatives?
Source: http://www.organicandnaturalchoices.com/hazards-of-chemical-fertilizers-and-pesticides/
