HELP BAN USE OF LAWN-CARE PESTICIDES
Petition to Ban Lawn-Care Pesticides in Connecticut
The Ecological Health Organization, Inc. and the Grassroots Coalition have started a petition to
ban use of lawn-care pesticides in Connecticut. We plan to collect thousands of signatures over
the course of the year to present to our legislators. A similar petition in Quebec started a movement
that resulted in the first Province-wide legislation to ban lawn pesticides in Canada. At least 50
municipalities in Canada now have by-laws that restrict or ban the use of pesticides on
public and private properties.
Why ban use of lawn-care pesticides?
Pesticides are hazardous to human health
Pesticides have been shown to cause injury to the nervous system, asthma, injury to reproductive
organs, hormone disruption, birth defects and cancer.
Pesticides pose special risks for unborn babies, infants and children.
Because their bodies are smaller and their organs and nervous systems are still developing, they are
much more susceptible to environmental toxins. Children frequently play on the lawn, and put things
in their mouth and can receive far more exposure than an adult
Pesticides are hazardous to your pets.
Outdoor pets are highly exposed to lawn chemicals. They lie on the ground, lick contaminated paws,
eat contaminated grass and are vulnerable due to their small size.
Pesticides are a community problem
When your neighbors use lawn care pesticides you share in the exposure. Pesticides used on your neighbor's
lawn can end up in your yard, inside your home and can contaminate your well water. When you walk on a
sprayed lawn or your child plays on an athletic field where pesticides have been applied, these poisons can
be tracked into your home on shoes and clothing, and can remain in your carpeting for months or even years.
Lawn pesticides pose significant threats to the environment
Many pesticides are toxic to fish, birds and other wildlife. Pesticides have been shown to contaminate surface
and ground water.
We are allowing the desire for a perfect lawn to take
precedent over public health. Organic methods can
create a healthy lawn without the risks.
How can you help ?
Copies of the petition are available for you to take home or can be printed from the ECHO website
Please encourage your friends, neighbors, family, coworkers etc. to sign the petition.
Mail completed forms to: Grassroots Pesticide Petition PO Box 8232 Berlin CT 06037
1191 Ridge Road- North Haven. CT 06473 (203)248-6582
Grassroots Coalition: Email Eusr1@aol.com
Ecological Health Organization, Inc. PO Box 0119 Hebron CT 06248 Email ECHOMCSCT@aol. com.
