HSH: Yard

Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides
Used in a garden and lawn, these toxins can enter our food, cause water pollution and may allow the transfer of pesticides into the house via the soles of shoes.
Many pest problems can be solved without resorting to chemical poisons. Safer Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help. Identify the specific pests, their causes and severity. Implement solutions that attack the root causes of the problem (e.g., raise lawnmower height to shade out weeds, reduce pest-attracting moisture around foundations and plumbing, seal cracks and crevices where pests enter the home or hide). Carefully monitor progress and use nontoxic or "least toxic" pest-killing treatments only as a last resort. Some less harmful alternatives include: introducing beneficial bugs which attack pests, organic insecticides (dessicant powders such as diotomaceous earth), compost instead of fertilizer, non-toxic traps, companion planting and biological pesticides which use species-specific bacteria to kill pests. If you have a lawn service, insist that they use IPM practices and get a written contract specifying that you will be notified in advance of any proposed pesticide use, with specifics on any products or chemical treatments to be applied.
The nonprofit group, Beyond Pesticides is one helpful resource on pest control alternatives.

Pressure Treated Wood
Arsenic
Most of the treated, "outdoor" wood used in playground equipment, decks and picnic tables is preserved with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). There are increasing concerns about health and environmental problems associated with the arsenic in this compound; some countries have banned it.

Look for wood labeled "arsenic-free," as there are less toxic treatments in use. Consider non-wood alternatives, or, depending on the use, untreated wood. Many state health agencies recommend that CCA-treated wood be resealed at least once every two years to prevent chemicals from contaminating people or the environment.

Good News!
The EPA and pressure-treated wood industry have agreed to a retail phase-out of CCA wood for commercial use. Read More

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Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides Used in a garden and lawn, these toxins can enter our food, cause water pollution and may allow the transfer of pesticides into the house via the soles of shoes.	Many pest problems can be solved without resorting to chemical poisons. Safer Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help. Identify the specific pests, their causes and severity. Implement solutions that attack the root causes of the problem (e.g., raise lawnmower height to shade out weeds, reduce pest-attracting moisture around foundations and plumbing, seal cracks and crevices where pests enter the home or hide). Carefully monitor progress and use nontoxic or "least toxic" pest-killing treatments only as a last resort. Some less harmful alternatives include: introducing beneficial bugs which attack pests, organic insecticides (dessicant powders such as diotomaceous earth), compost instead of fertilizer, non-toxic traps, companion planting and biological pesticides which use species-specific bacteria to kill pests. If you have a lawn service, insist that they use IPM practices and get a written contract specifying that you will be notified in advance of any proposed pesticide use, with specifics on any products or chemical treatments to be applied.	The nonprofit group, Beyond Pesticides is one helpful resource on pest control alternatives.
Pressure Treated Wood Arsenic Most of the treated, "outdoor" wood used in playground equipment, decks and picnic tables is preserved with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). There are increasing concerns about health and environmental problems associated with the arsenic in this compound; some countries have banned it.	Look for wood labeled "arsenic-free," as there are less toxic treatments in use. Consider non-wood alternatives, or, depending on the use, untreated wood. Many state health agencies recommend that CCA-treated wood be resealed at least once every two years to prevent chemicals from contaminating people or the environment.	Good News! The EPA and pressure-treated wood industry have agreed to a retail phase-out of CCA wood for commercial use. Read More