Fact - Lawn pesticides can linger in your home

Sure, pesticide-users for their lawn may get that emerald green lawn they've craved - but it comes with a price.  Turns out, pesticides are very persistent, and can remain in your home for days, months or even years.  Far from a settling discovery.


How pesticides move
Pesticides can move from their intended targets - typically a lawn - via evaporation through the air, water, food and general surface contact.  Once they evaporate, they become part of the water cycle.  The US Geological Survey (USGS) has found nearly every pesticide they've investigated in the air, snow, rain or fog(1). 

Pesticides in your home
Unfortunately, pesticides can linger even longer inside the home.  If they're not exposed to sunlight or rain, pesticides can last even longer:

• The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) determined that outdoor pesticides residues are tracked indoors by shoes and pets, and can increase concentration in carpets by up to 400 times.  And, they can last for years.(2)  
• A 2003 Silent Spring Institute study (originally funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health) proved home owners can be affected by pesticides in their homes for even decades after being tracked in. 

Definitely some sobering statistics when considering the use of pesticides on your lawn.  We'd love to hear your thoughts on the use of pesticides.

Have you tried the natural way?  
 
Sources
(1) United States Geological Survey. 1995. Pesticides in the Atmosphere. United States Geological Survey Fact Sheet. FS-152-95.
(2) New Scientist 5 May 2001 No. 2289.
(3) Nov 1, 2003, environmental science and technology, Kellyn Betts. 409a, Silent Spring Institute