Spring has arrived! For those in the north, the sound of lawn mowers and sprinklers strum heavenly chords in our souls after a long winter. We think of health and vitality as we watch our children roll in the grass, and exchange boots for bare feet. Is it possible that such a tranquil vision could be concealing a very real danger?

Sadly, it has been demonstrated in credible studies that children exposed to home and garden pesticides have a significantly elevated risk of developing leukemia and lymphomas. Have you seen those signs posted by commercial lawn companies to keep dogs off the lawn for a period of time? Dogs that live in households that use herbicides containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (a chemical found in most common weed killers), are twice as likely to die from cancer. In that study, dogs were looked at because it is felt they have more contact with the lawn than humans. As a mother of boys I stand to disagree! Is this really a concern? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans apply 90 million pounds of herbicides and pesticides on their lawns every year.

OK. You understand the risk. You decide to skip the weed killer and let nature rule. But how do you keep up with - or have a lawn that is somewhat presentable living next to - the Jones’s that make their lawn a priority? A few tips:

Mow high and often

Add grass seed to thicken the grass and choke out weeds

Consider mulching

If you choose to fertilize, choose “organic” fertilizers from a reputable nursery. Many nurseries now carry alternatives to chemical weed killers as well

If weeds are a concern, trying pulling them, killing them with hot water, replacing lawn with rocks or other forms of landscaping, or simply tolerating them.

Remember, “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” -Eeyore, from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh”

For further information on cancer prevention, visit http://www.avoidcancernow.com/.

Posted by Lynne Eldridge, MD

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