Target: Environmental Protection Agency
Goal: Reduce the spread of neurotoxin 2,4-D by banning combined weed and feed fertilizers.
The herbicide used in weed and feed products is a primary ingredient in Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used during the Vietnam War. Applying weed killer to an entire lawn creates a health risk and environmental damage. Herbicide applied directly to weeds or using an eco-friendly weed killer are much better solutions for weed maintenance without the excessive exposure to toxic chemicals.
Studies have shown that 2,4-D is linked to Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in humans and Malignant Canine lymphoma in dogs. This chemical is also an endocrine disruptor, and has been associated with neurological disorders, reproductive problems, kidney and liver damage, cancer and an increased risk of birth defects and neurological damage in children. Children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to weed and feed due to the fact that they play on lawns and also on floors and carpets where the deadly toxin is tracked in and remains for nearly a year.
Weed and feed is highly damaging to the environment. It is toxic to fish, waterfowl, beneficial insects, earthworms and microorganisms. Overuse leads to runoff. Studies by the US Geological Survey state that 2,4-D is the number one herbicide found in streams and it has been found in groundwater.
After the Canadian Medical Association passed a resolution calling for a ban on combined weed and feed products, the Canadian government made it illegal to combine herbicide with fertilizer in 2010.
Please send a message to our government to ban these products containing this highly toxic chemical by signing the petition below.
The herbicide 2,4-D used in weed and feed products is a major component in the chemical defoliant Agent Orange. Applying weed killer to an entire lawn when only a certain percentage contains weeds creates a health risk and environmental damage due to overexposure and runoff. Herbicide applied directly to weeds or using an eco-friendly weed killer is a much better solution without the excessive exposure to toxic chemicals.
In 2010 the Canadian government, recognizing the impact on both health and environment, banned combined weed and feed products.
2,4-D has been linked to Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Malignant Canine lymphoma, and is a known endocrine disruptor. It has been associated with kidney and liver damage, birth defects and neurological damage.
It is particularly damaging to children who play on treated lawns. Children take in more chemicals per pound than adults. Furthermore, a child’s developing organ system is less able to rid itself of toxic chemicals than an adults.
The threat isn’t just indoors, these chemicals drift and are often tracked indoors where they remain in carpets and surfaces for up to a year at levels nearly ten times higher than pre-application exposures.
The damage to the environment has been documented. 2,4-D is toxic to earthworms, honeybees, microorganisms, and beneficial insects. It is toxic to fish and waterfowl. It’s found in streams and groundwater.
Allowing this neurotoxin to be spread liberally on suburban lawns is irresponsible.
We ask you to please consider the health of the public and the environment. Please follow the example set in Canada and ban all combined weed and feed products in this country too.
[Your Name Here]