Since there’s so much life in a garden, people may think it’s a safe place to be in. Unfortunately that’s not always the case, particularly if you use pesticides in your garden. Knowing what pesticides do to the insects and animals in the garden, it may give you cause to think. Outdoor pesticides and kids – is it really worth the risk?
Of course, there are other things in a garden that could be harmful to a child. There is something you can do about it, however. You can learn about everything in your garden – pesticides that may be used, the natural flora and fauna you might find, and how to properly use any garden tools, and being watchful of children while they’re in the garden with you. With diligence you can avoid the potential hazards in your garden and keep pets and people safe.
If you choose to use chemical pesticides, at least do your best to keep them away from your children. You can do this by clearly labeling them as poisons, properly closing them after use, and storing them in such a way children can’t get to them. The easiest way to avoid any potential problem associated with chemical fertilizers, weed killers, and insecticides, however, is to not use them.
While you might find one or two pesticides that aren’t hazardous to pets and people, they are few and far between. One such pesticide is known as “milky spore,” a bacterium that is not known to be dangerous to people, animals, or any beneficial insects you may have in your garden. In fact, it is a very selective insecticide that will only kill certain types of beetles.
Pesticides are used to prevent insect infestation, kill them, or make it so that plants aren’t palatable to the insects and thus repel them. Nearly every type can be harmful to people, animals, or the environment. To understand how dangerous pesticides are, manufacturers must label them with signal words:
* The word “Danger” is the apex of words used on labels. Use of chemicals with this label requires extreme care. Improper use could result in children being sick, hurt for an extended period, blindness, or even death. This designation is also used to indicate the chemical could explode if it gets too hot.
* “Warning” labels indicate a less severe danger. This doesn’t mean they’re safe, but are not quite as dangerous as those with the “danger” label. Serious injury or illness could still result. This label also identifies chemicals that can catch on fire quite easily.
* “Caution” labels lead users to be careful when using them. While the dangers aren’t quite as serious as those with “danger” or “warning” labels, there are inherent problems associated with using them. You could develop skin irritations, illness from breathing the fumes, or serious damage to your eyes if it is splashed into them.
Store pesticides in containers that will keep them from curious eyes. But what should you do if someone is exposed to them? Quickly find out which chemical was spilled, breathed, or ingested so you can give this information to Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 when you call them. If the chemicals got into the eyes, rinse them out for 15-20 minutes under a shower or running water. If splashed, clothing must be removed and the skin rinsed for the same amount of time.
Remember that pesticides are poison and be sure to treat them accordingly. Knowing what they do, when considering outdoor pesticides and having kids, is it worth the risk?
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