What Is Unsafe About Weed Killers?

Weed killers should be used with caution to avoid illness.

Weed killer is a type of pesticide designed to get rid of weeds in gardens, backyards, public areas, and anywhere else unwanted weeds grow. Though some companies claim their weed killers are safe to use, other studies beg to differ. Weed killers can be dangerous to both animals and humans.

Effects

Weed killers have been known to kill more than just weeds. The small toxins that are contained within many weed killers can be deadly if ingested by humans or pets. Pesticides that are absorbed through the skin can cause a series of side effects, including headaches, nausea, tissue swelling and rashes.

Studies

Many studies have been done linking the connection between weed killers and cancer, including a study conducted by the Orebro Medical Center and Lund University Hospital in Sweden. A study in Pittsburgh by researcher Rick Relyea has concluded that certain weed killers can be deadly to baby frogs.

Alternatives

Alternatives do exist for those who are looking to kill weeds in their gardens or yards without using a brand name weed killer. For example, pouring boiling water on weeds will kill them. However, boiling water will kill any desired plants in the area as well. Spraying vinegar on a weed is another method of killing the weed without using a weed killer.

References

• Gardening Know How: Homemade Pet Friendly Weed Killer
• CQS: Poison In The Grass: The Hazards And Consequences Of Lawn Pesticides
• I Nutritionals: Cancer And Weed Killers
• Earth Hope Network: Weed Killer Poses Dangers To Frogs

Resources

• Grinning Planet: Lawn Weed Killers And Agent Orange