Harold N. Adel, MD, MPH
Commissioner
Department of Health
Andrew J. Spano
County Executive
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION
March 26, 1999 Contact Mary Landrigan
Herbicide Cautions (914) 637-4715
The Westchester County Department of Health today warned residents that pesticides used to kill weeds and fungus in the lawn and garden may be hazardous to their health.
"Herbicides and fungicides are toxic materials," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health. "EPA registration is not a guarantee that the pesticides will not harm human health. Don't assume herbicides and fungicides are "safe until proven guilty", consider minimizing or eliminating these and other pesticides to prevent potential future health problems." Stated Dr. Adel.
Some common herbicides used to kill weeds in the driveway or prevent the emergence of crabgrass may be linked to a number of different cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These include herbicides such as 2,4-D and mecoprop and related herbicides.
Some herbicides and fungicides are classified by EPA as possible carcinogens. These include atrazine, cyanazine, mancozeb, maneb, captan, and chlorothalonil. Most of these materials are readily available in garden stores, hardware stores, and other places that sell lawn and garden supplies. Product labels can be checked to determine whether they are present.
"The lawn-care choices that Westchester County residents make this spring and summer could impact the future health of Westchester County residents and the environment," stated Dr. Adel.
Before signing a contract for lawn and garden services:
Find out what products will be applied to your lawn.
Consider eliminating the regular use of herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. Instead, use integrated pest management techniques, which emphasize identification of lawn and garden problems and spot treatment with the least toxic alternatives.
Consider having your lawn and garden tested to determine what, if any, nutrients you need. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension for information on soil testing.
Do not apply excessive fertilizer. It can pollute our groundwater and recreational waters and cause fish kills.
Westchester County is among the top ten counties in New York State in pesticide use. New data links pesticides to endocrine disrupters that may interfere with normal hormonal functioning. Most of this scientific data is still in the preliminary stages, but residents may wish to consider using 'prudent avoidance' with regard to pesticide use," stated Dr. Adel.
Pesticides are designed to kill weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), fungus (fungicides), and animal pests (rodenticides). Many are toxic to fish, birds, wildlife, and to beneficial bugs such as ladybugs, beetles, bees, and butterflies.
To help residents make wise choices about lawn and garden maintenance, the Health Department is distributing two new brochures. "Pesticide Cautions" highlights risks associated with pesticides. "How to Have a Beautiful Garden without Treating Your Health Like Dirt", the new publication of the League of Women Voters, provides safe alternatives to lawn chemicals.
To maintain a healthy, non-toxic lawn, follow these tips in the Spring:
Mow grass regularly. Leave grass clippings on the lawn.
Keep grass high. Three-inch blades crown out weeds and create more surface for photosynthesis.
Mulch trees, shrubs and garden beds to suppress weeds and conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, halt soil compaction, and encourage earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.
Walk around your lawn and garden to look for pest damage. Most insects can be knocked off with a strong spray of water and other non-toxic means.
For more information about herbicides or to obtain free brochures, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit the Health Department website at www.co.westchester.ny.us/health.
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