What is the risk?
The health effects of exposure to a pesticide depend on the spcific chemical used, as well as the amount a person or animal is exposed to. Burning and itching of the eyes, nausea and cancer are all possible effects. Children and pets are especially at risk because of their size – even a small amount of pesticide would pose a greater risk than in adults. Recent studies have shown that there is a 600 percent higher risk of childhood leukemia when kids are exposed to pesticides. Products used to kill household pests and the ones that are spread on your lawn can affect your children and your pets. (Source: School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley; Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Health Services; Stamford University of Medicine)
What you can do…
- Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for appropriate use of pesticides.
- Wear gloves, protective eyewear and other protective equipment as recommended.
- Keep children and pets out of the immediate area during and immediately following application.
- Remind children not to touch their eyes or mouth after playing in the yard and to wash their hands frequently.
- Consider pulling weeds instead of poisoning them.
- Alternately, use natural, organic weed and pest control methods.
