Soil Contamination
Lead can be found in the soil around homes built before 1978. Homes painted with lead paint on the exterior may leach lead into the soil when the paint is disturbed. In addition, vacant lots may contain lead in the soil, especially if lead-containing materials were used in the once standing property. Cover bare soil with grass or plants, place doormats at each entryway and wipe shoes well.
Other sources of lead in soil are past use of leaded gasoline and industrial sites, such as smelters, batteries and incinerators.
Pesticides
Pesticides can cause short and long-term health risks. Exposure to pesticides can lead to pesticide poisoning, which is under-diagnosed in the United States. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, about 10,000 children experience pesticide poisoning each year. Experts believe there is a link between pesticide exposure early in life and the rising number of
children being diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Click here and learn how to
avoid the need for pest control.
Lawn and Garden
Most lawn and garden products are sold to control disease, fertilize, or kill some sort of pest (i.e. herbicide, insecticide, bactericide and fungicide). Although these products may keep the lawn green, many have been linked to environmental contaminations, degradation and disease
in animals and humans.
What You Can Do to promote a “green” lawn
- Contact the Environmental Soil Testing Program by the Agricultural Analytical Services Lab at Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences before creating your backyard garden to get your soil tested
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Start a backyard compost
Use natural pest deterrents and homemade remedies to treat unwanted critters
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Practice Integrated Pest Management
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Get the Top 10 Tips for Safe Lawn Care