Healthy Lawns for Healthy Families A Pesticide Awareness

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 Effects While 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 -100 X 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

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

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 ~10 X 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 Ingredients Undisclosed 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/la wnissues. html#Pesticides Source: UMASS http: //www. umassturf. org/mangemen t_updates/2004_archive/04 jul 22. 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 Newton In 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 Little http: //www. ocfp. on. ca/English/OCFP/Communications/Current. Issues/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

Weeds Low density – Physical removal High density – Spray with vinegar and lemon juice – Smother with newspaper, plastic, or cardboard 1 part + 2 parts

Indicator Weeds & Symptoms Chickweed likes acidic soil and low OM Crabgrass likes low Ca and specific p. H 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 & Billbug Sod webworm – threshold 1 -10 larvae/sq. ft. Controls – Decrease thatch – Keep proper soil moisture – Nematodes Bluegrass billbug – check pavement for >1 adult/min Controls – 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

Diseases Dollar Spot Red Thread Control: • Maintain adequate fertility • Reduce compaction and thatch • Minimize leaf wetness Rust

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 Controls: • Avoid late season growth • Prevent/reduce soil compaction • Mow at recommended heights • Use tolerant cultivars Snow Mold

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 Events Date Event Place Time March 5 Workshop Jones Farm 10 am 9 BOH Class Millenium School, Rm 10 7 pm 12 Guest Speakers from Marblehead Westford Library 10 am 19 Workshop Eric’s Greenhouse 10 am 26 Workshop Parlee’s Nursery 10 am April 4 Guest Speaker from UMass 141 Keyes Rd, Concord 7: 30 pm