For many homeowners there is a certain amount of pride that comes along with having a well manicured lawn. It can take a great deal of work and money to keep a lawn looking green, lush, and free of weeds. While there's not a thing wrong with wanting to have a lawn that's the pride of the neighborhood, it is worth noting what is actually being used to keep it that way. An examination of some of the chemicals commonly used in lawn care, gardening and even farming reveals a troubling story of how pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals can affect pets and quite possibly humans.

_A study published earlier this year laid the groundwork for determining a link between the use of common lawn care chemicals and cases of malignant lymphoma in dogs. Building on previous research, this study built on the premise that repeated exposure to certain chemicals may be related to CML (Canine Malignant Lymphoma) and possibly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in humans. By examining hundreds of cases of dogs with benign tumors and hundreds more with malignant tumors, researchers found a 70% increase in the risk of a pet developing CML in homes where professionally applied pesticides took place.

_Dogs run, play, roll around in and even snack on grass, so when it has been treated with pesticides and certain chemicals, dogs generally tend to have the greatest exposure to these chemicals. Certain classes of IGR's (insect growth regulators) can negatively impact the health of not only your dog but also you. We've mentioned IGR's in pet flea and tick treatments previously, as well as safer alternatives.

_In addition to exposure for pets, there is some concern over exposure to humans as well. Research continues as to how the chemicals found in pesticides, insecticides, weed killers, and fertilizers effect human physiology. Those who suffer from grass allergies or have asthma that is aggravated by grass pollen may not spend a great deal of time on the lawn, but unlike pollens, chemicals affect indiscriminately.

On a related note, while visiting family for the 4th, something similar to this came up. I noticed a lot of tall weeds poking through my brother's brick walkway in front of his house. Upon asking him about it, he replied, ‘I was thinking about spraying them, but truthfully, the kids play on it so much, I just don't think I should.’

_Chemical treatments like Roundup, have been a staple on lawns and farms worldwide, but his caution may not be unfounded. Each year, new studies support the idea that overexposure to the chemicals used in weed killers may have serious consequences on human health.

_If you do have professional lawn care done, insist upon them not using IGR's or similar insecticides. And in place of traditional fertilizers, which have long shown the ability to find their way into the water table, try manure or compost. Personally, having lived on a farm, I'm well aware of how bad manure can smell, but the effects on a field or garden can initially be far more beneficial than granular fertilizers. And my brother's solution to the weeds in the walkway? Three boys. That's six hands, all that can weed. I reminded him a weed eater might also be a good idea!

_Author: Kevin Gilmore