Toxic, lush green lawns potentially harming health

In our pursuit of the quintessential green lawn, we may be unwittingly causing harm to our health, the health of our families, pets, and even the planet.

Constant noise from lawn mowers, trimmers, and blowers can cause stress in the body without realization. These noises trigger the brain to go on "high alert," which raises heart rate, increases blood pressure, and makes it harder to relax.

Moreover, gas-powered lawn mowers emit a shocking amount of air pollution, sometimes more than cars. They release harmful gases like carbon monoxide and tiny particles that can get into lungs.

But the harm doesn't stop at the air we breathe. Lawn chemicals do not break down quickly and can linger in soil, air, and surfaces for weeks or months. Some lawn chemicals like 2,4-D and glyphosate leave behind residues that can expose people, pets, and wild animals.

The use of chemical pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers on lawns is associated with several potential health risks. These include increased cancer risk, notably prostate cancer, reproductive harm, neurological disorders, immune system impairment, and respiratory problems.

Multiple studies link exposure to pesticides commonly used in lawn care with a higher risk of prostate cancer and increased mortality from the disease. Pesticides can adversely affect maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, leading to negative pregnancy outcomes. They can cause neurotoxicity, contributing to sensory disruption, cognitive deficits, and diseases resembling Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Long-term pesticide exposure contributes to respiratory problems and compromises the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections. It may also contribute to chronic conditions that develop insidiously over time. Chemical pesticides can interfere with hormonal functions, potentially affecting multiple systems in the body.

The Environmental Working Group states that some products emit VOCs for days, weeks, or even months. A perfect lawn might look nice but is not natural; it's a monoculture with very little biodiversity.

However, with the right choices and a little effort, we can turn things around and create healthier, more sustainable outdoor spaces. Ditching the lawn and embracing a native garden that supports the local ecosystem is beneficial. Good bacteria thrive in native gardens, which is particularly important for children's immune systems.

In conclusion, chemical lawn treatments pose risks to cancer development, neurological function, reproductive health, immune resilience, and respiratory health depending on the extent and nature of exposure. It's time to rethink what 'green' really means in backyards and consider the unseen costs of a perfect lawn.

Author: Aqsa Salam

[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Pesticides and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/cancer/pesticides-and-cancer-risk [2] National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2020). Pesticides and Reproductive Health. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides/reproductive/ [3] American Cancer Society. (2020). Chemicals in the Environment and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/other-causes-of-cancer/environmental-exposures/chemicals-in-the-environment.html [4] World Health Organization. (2019). Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/ceh/publications/endocrine/endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-2012/en/ [5] Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Neurotoxicity. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/neurotoxicity/what-neurotoxicity

In an effort to promote healthier living, the concept of landscaping should consider switching from traditional lawns to organic gardens, incorporating native plants that foster local ecosystems.
The use of organic gardening techniques, such as planting native flowers and shrubs, encourages a more sustainable outdoor space and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria.
There is a growing recognition that replacing gas-powered lawn equipment with electric or manual tools can help reduce noise pollution in the workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness sectors, contributing to a calmer work environment.
Environmental science indicates that supporting biodiversity in gardens can improve soil health, which in turn can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mitigating climate change.
Organic gardening also promotes hormonal balance, as chemical pesticides often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with natural hormone functions.
To further enhance the aesthetics of a garden, integrating fitness-and-exercise and sports elements can create a multifunctional, enjoyable space, encouraging both physical activity and mindfulness.
A thriving garden not only improves the appearance of the immediate environment but also supports local wildlife, helping to reverse the impact of urbanization on ecosystems and contributing to increased biodiversity in urban areas.
Skin-care enthusiasts can find connections to their outdoor spaces, with certain plants like aloe vera easily accessible for home remedies and therapy treatments.
The integration of green spaces in cities can even affect sports-betting markets, as a more desirable living environment may drive up property values and alter local demographics, impacting the preferences and behaviors of potential customers for various industries, including sports betting.