Healthy Lawns for Healthy Families

A Pesticide Awareness Partnership Project with

Acton, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Littleton, Westford

www.healthylawnsforhealthyfamilies.com

Presented by Elaine Major, Westford Water Department

and

Sponsored by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute at UMass Lowell

Project Purpose• Raise public awareness about health issues

from pesticides• Protect water resources• Reduce pesticide use on a regional scale

(TUR)• Provide safer lawn care alternatives• Involve local citizens to develop new town

policies

Approaches• Meet with local Boards and Committees

• Press releases and newsletter distribution

• Printed materials: brochures, posters, flags

• “Our Children at Risk” video on local cable tv

• Provide organic lawn care workshops

• Model lawns with signs

• Display posters in unique locations

Information to Transfer• Human health effects “Our Children at Risk”• Hydrologic cycle and movement of materials

through environment• What a healthy lawn really needs• Lawns and soils are interdependent, living

systems• Integrated pest management is not the same

as an organic approach!

USEPA Definition of Pesticides• “-cide” means “to cut or kill”• Substance or mixture of substances intended for

preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest

• Term also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other pest-controlling substances

• Under U.S. law, also any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant

Why Reduce Pesticide Use? • They are designed to kill living things• No pesticide can be considered safe• Inert ingredients can also be toxic• Children and pets are especially vulnerable• They persist and kill beneficial soil micro-organisms• Alternative, non-toxic, methods can work!• Government regulations don’t necessarily protect us

How We Are Exposed

• Voluntary – Personal Use

• Involuntary – Air (local and global)– Water supply– Food residues– Industrial pollution of air and water

How do Pesticides Work?• Conventional and Synthetic Materials

– Biochemical Mode of Action works to disrupt enzymes, hormones, and/or nervous transmission of target pest

• Least toxic Materials – Operate physically or mechanically on the pest

for example: silica dusts, silica, diatomaceous earth, insecticidal soaps

Unique Vulnerability of Children• Highly vulnerable to toxics• Absorb more toxics from their environment than

adults:– Play close to the ground– Hand-to-mouth behavior – Unique dietary patterns

• Undergoing rapid growth, development, and differentiation of their vital organ systems

• Decreased ability to detoxify and excrete toxics • Skin is more permeable

Emerging Knowledge• USGS study found pesticides in groundwater from

every major chemical class • Effects to nervous system, lungs, reproductive

system, immune and endocrine systems, cancer, low sperm counts, and asthma

• Pets: link to bladder cancer in Scottish terriers, may be similar genes responsible for human cases.

• No research on interaction of chemicals and human health effects

• Pesticides create an “addicted lawn” (treat symptoms, not problems)

• Typical water treatment doesn’t remove pesticides

Human Health EffectsWhile effects associated with chronic, low level pesticide

exposures are not yet well understood, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that environmental pesticide exposures are associated with:

• Neurological and reproductive damage• Effects on growth and development• Birth defects• Endocrine disruption• Cancer

Source: Physicians for Social Responsibility

Exposure Studies• In humans - Dursban* detected in 92% of children

and 82% adult urine samples• In food - detectable residues of at least one

pesticide on 72% fruits/vegetables• In homes – 3 to 9 pesticide residues in typical

home with 70% infants exposure from dust• In air - indoor air levels 10-100X higher than

outdoor air• In water - 95% stream samples and 50% of wells*Chlorpyrifos (Dursban, Lorsban), a widely used insecticide now phased out for homeowner use (Sale stopped 12-31-01)

Impact on non-target species• Application of most pesticides results in small

amounts, often ~ 1%, reaching the target pest(With the exception of poisonous baits which usually just attract and kill the pest)

For Example: fungicides used to control diseases may fall on soil and inhibit growth of beneficial fungi important for plants to obtain nutrients

First comprehensive look at human chemical burden in blood and urine

Nine volunteers tested for 210 chemicals in blood and urine: None work with chemicals on the job

2002 Body Burden Study Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, NY

Body Burden Results• 167/210 chemicals detected*• 48 PCBs• 15 dioxins and furans• 10 organochlorine pesticides and metabolites• 6 phthalates• 77 semivolatile and volatile chemicals• 4 metals

*Chemicals associated with 183 types of consumer products (brake fluid, paint, flame retardants, pesticides, floor cleaners, rust guard, hand cream, thermostats, particleboard, batteries, gasoline)

*64 chemical functions (plasticizers, froth flotation agents, defoaming agents)

Lawn Care Pesticide Information• ~35 pesticides are used in >90% of lawns• ~80 million lbs of active ingredients used on >30 million

acres of US lawns/yr• Homeowners use ~10X more pesticides/acre on lawns than

farmers use on crops (USFWS)• Pesticides are intentionally toxic materials• Lawn-care pesticides not tested for chronic health effects• Many pesticides have potential to contaminate

groundwater– Depends on chemical, soil, site conditions,

management• Safety levels are often compromises

Environment and Human Health, Inc. www.ehhi.org/pubs/pesticides/index.html

What is On the Label • EPA registration number

• Active and inert ingredients

• Health warnings

• Application information

What is Not on the Label• Inert ingredients

• Metabolites or breakdown by-products

• Impurities or contaminants

• Known or suspected long-term effects

• Known or suspected risks to children

• A statement about safety

Inert IngredientsUndisclosed inert ingredients –90-99% of product

– Not necessarily “inert”– Can be more toxic or increase toxicity of the product– Toxicity testing done on pesticide, not inert product

According to EPA “Many consumers are mislead by the term "inert ingredient", believing it to mean "harmless." Since neither federal law nor the regulations define the term "inert" on the basis of toxicity, hazard or risk to humans, non-target species, or the environment, it should not be assumed that all inert ingredients are non-toxic.” 1997

Common Lawn and Garden Pesticides

HERBICIDES INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES

Atrazine (not in MA)

Balan

Betasan

2,4-D

Dacthal

Dicamba

DSMA

Endothall

Glyphosate

MCPA, MCPP, MSMA

Oxadiazon

Pronamide

Siduron

Acephate

Baygon

Bendiocarb

Carbaryl

Cyfluthrin

DDVP

Deltamethrin

Esfenvalerate

Imidacloprid

Lamda-cyhalothrin

Malathion

Methoxychlor

Oftanol

Permethrin, Spinosad

Trichlorfon, Triumph

Bayleton

Benomyl

Chlorothalonil

Diphenamid

Maneb

PCNB

Sulfur

Ziram

Source: Cornell

http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/issues/lawnissues.html#Pesticides

Source:UMASS

http://www.umassturf.org/mangement_updates/2004_archive/04jul22.htm

Federal Laws• Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act 1988

regulates the registration of all pesticides used in the US, licensing of pesticide applicators, re-registration of all pesticide products, and storage and transportation

• Safe Drinking Water Act 1974 establishes federal drinking water standards by setting MCLs

• Clean Water Act 1972 enacted to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters

• Toxic Substances Control Act 1976 requires testing, screening, and regulation of all chemicals produced or imported

***Federal licensing is no guarantee of safety!

State Laws• Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act (333 CMR)

regulates labeling, distribution, sale, storage, transportation, use and application, and disposal of pesticides in the Commonwealth. Enforced by the Pesticide Bureau under DFA

• Children’s Protection Act acknowledges that pesticides contain toxic substances, outlines notification procedures, promotes safer alternatives for use at schools

What the Law Does Not Do….• Respond immediately to human health and

environmental issues

• Address inert ingredients

• Ban toxic materials quickly

• Protect vulnerable groups

• Address preventative actions

USEPA Re-registration• Phase-out of the two most commonly used

household pesticides

Dursban (Lorsban, Chlorpyrifos) insecticides in pet flea collars, garden and lawn pesticides, indoor bug sprays, posed an unacceptable risk to children because of its potential effects on the nervous system and brain development.

Chlorpyrifos (Dursban, Lorsban), a widely used insecticide now phased out for homeowner use (Retailers stopped sale 12-31-01).

Roundup is a broad spectrum herbicide is toxic to earthworms, beneficial insects, birds and mammals. It is also persistent, only degrades by microbes not sunlight and water. Soil half life is 24 to 249 days. Detected in runoff four months after applied and in stream sediments.

Community Trends• Local communities with IPM policies: Marblehead Dover-Sherborn Wellesley

Swampscot NewtonIn progress: Amesbury Andover Stoneham

• Ban on cosmetic use of pesticides:Supreme Court of Canada unanimously upheld the town of

Hudson, Quebec’s right to legislate the use of pesticides. Other municipalities are expected to follow.

Recently released comprehensive review by family doctors highlights the link between pesticide exposure and serious illnesses and disease

Information from the Massachusetts Pesticide Awareness Collaborative &/or from Dr. Sarah Littlehttp://www.ocfp.on.ca/English/OCFP/Communications/CurrentIssues/Pesticides/default.asp?s=1

Precautionary Principle

Shift in policy regarding pesticides by the Canadian Cancer Society from “Cancer can be Beaten” to: “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or to the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”

NOFA Principles• Do no harm. • Grow the right plant, in the right place, in

the right soil• Work with natural systems rather than

dominate them• Maintain and increase the long-term health

of soil• Avoid pollution

Organic Lawn Care Workshops• Hydrologic cycle description and

movement of materials in the environment

• Overview of health issues

• Steps to encourage healthy soil

• Suggestions for managing problems

• Questions and answers with experts

Key to Organic Management: Healthy Soil

• Diseases suppressed -no more need for pesticides!• Retain nutrients and stop runoff and leaching• Nutrients available as plants require them• Decomposes toxins• Improves soil structure• Reduces water use and increases root depth• Evaluate physical structure, chemical and biological

properties

Management Practices• Test soil and look for labs that make organic

recommendations• Get in touch with it! • Mow high with sharp blade• Maintain good aeration• Leave clippings – keep thatch <.5 inches• Water less frequently -encourage root growth• Use organic products for problem areas• Consider limiting the size of your lawn!

Problem Management• Talk to your landscape maintenance personnel!

– Find out specifically what they are using and why– Chemicals address the problem – not the cause– “Organic” means different things to different people

• Ex. look for N values of <13%

– Ask about compost tea applications

• Alternative materials – Organic fertilizers– Compost and compost tea– Corn Gluten

• Endophytic types of grass– Resistant to insects, drought, and fungal diseases

WeedsLow density

– Physical removal

High density – Spray with vinegar and lemon juice – Smother with newspaper, plastic, or cardboard

1 part + 2 parts

Indicator Weeds & SymptomsChickweed likes acidic soil and low OM

Crabgrass likes low Ca and specific pH

Dandelions Ca low or absent and reduce P & N

Insects-Grubs

Identify type of beetle

Milky spore (soil T >60ºF)

Nematodes (60% success rate

& apply to warm soils)

(Handout)

Insects-Webworm & BillbugSod webworm – threshold 1-10 larvae/sq. ft.Controls

– Decrease thatch– Keep proper soil moisture– Nematodes

Bluegrass billbug – check pavement for >1 adult/minControls

– Reduce thatch– Endophytic grass– nematodes

Insects- Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs – threshold 15-20/sq. ft.

Controls– Endophytic grasses – Big-Eyed bugs– Neem– Beauvaria sp. fungi

DiseasesDollar Spot Red Thread Rust

Control: • Maintain adequate fertility• Reduce compaction and thatch• Minimize leaf wetness

Diseases (cont.) Necrotic Ring Spot Summer Patch

Controls:• Avoid excessive late season Nitrogen applications• Maintain balanced soil fertility• Mow at recommended heights• Minimize leaf wetness• Limit thatch

Diseases (cont.)Leaf Spot/Melting Out Snow Mold

Controls:

•Avoid late season growth

•Prevent/reduce soil compaction

•Mow at recommended heights

•Use tolerant cultivars

Flags to Advertise Your Organic Lawn

Long-term Goals

• Reduce pesticide use region-wide

• Initiate citizen-led efforts to develop town policies restricting pesticide use and promoting organic lawn care

• Project continues after grant funding ends

• www.healthylawnsforhealthyfamilies.com

Summary• Government regulations do not necessarily

protect us• Alternative approaches can work – why

take health risks if you don’t have to? • Pesticide use works against keeping the soil

healthy and creates a “drug addicted” lawn• With this issue, we CAN initiate change on

a local level

Upcoming 2005 EventsDate Event Place TimeMarch 5 Workshop Jones Farm 10am

9 BOH Class Millenium School, Rm 10 7pm

12 Guest Speakers from Marblehead

Westford Library 10am

19 Workshop Eric’s Greenhouse 10am

26 Workshop Parlee’s Nursery 10am

April 4 Guest Speaker from UMass

141 Keyes Rd, Concord 7:30pm