Lawn Posting ProblemsPosting of lawns has been a controversial practice. Any successful posting program
needs to address the following problems:- Those most at risk, small children and pets, can’t read.
- The signs are often so small and low to the ground that it’s difficult to read
the message and still avoid contact with treated grass. - If signs are left to weather and rot, they would lose any effect they may have
once had. - Some lawn pesticides have a very low degree of toxicity. To require posting of
lawns treated with those pesticides may raise unwarranted alarm. - No one sign is suitable for all pesticides, yet multiple signs pose a logistical
problem. - On a percentage basis, homeowners apply far more pesticides than commercial
applicators, but requiring them to post on treated lawns has a number of prac-
tical problems.^59
Practical Problems- Ensuring that statutory deadlines for release of all data are met by the responsi-
ble state agency. - Requiring state agencies to submit data electronically.
- Making sure that all data is made available to the public.
- Requiring farmers to report their pesticide use directly rather than through
sales reports.
Lawn Care Pesticide Sickens FamilyBrenda Jones believed the lawn care applicator from TruGreen ChemLawn when
he told her that the chemicals he was going to use on her lawn were so safe that he
didn’t even need to wear a mask. According to Brenda, she was still hesitant and
asked him to wait until she was safely inside the house before he started to spray.
While Brenda waited for her dog, the applicator began spraying some fifteen feet
behind her. Suddenly her eyes began to burn and a cough welled up in her throat.
She turned to see a cloud of silver mist coming from the nozzle held by the applica-
tor. Instantly, she grabbed the dog and dashed into the house to escape. She washed
herself and the dog off, but it was too late; the damage had been done.
Being a registered nurse, Brenda was instantly aware of being sick. Her eyes,
throat, and chest burned. Her head pounded like a drum. She became nauseous and178 | Pesticides