Environmental Effects of Herbicide Use
For too long we were under the impression that benefits could be gained by using herbicides to manage unwanted vegetation. Compared with alternative means of weed control, such as weeding by hand or machine, herbicides are less expensive, faster, and sometimes more selective. But wait …
Some important environmental effects are associated with the use of herbicides. These include unintended damage occurring both on the sprayed site, and offsite. For example, by changing the vegetation of treated sites, herbicide use also changes the habitat of animals such as mammals and birds. This is especially true of herbicides use in forestry, because biodiverse, semi-natural habitats are involved.
In addition, not all the herbicide sprayed is deposited onto the intended spray area. Often there is drift of herbicide beyond the intended spray site, and unintended, offsite damages may be caused to vegetation.
There are also concerns about the toxicity of some herbicides, which may affect people using these chemicals during their occupation, people indirectly exposed through drift or residues on food, and wildlife.
And then there’s our dogs. Dogs need roughage in their diets and grass is a good source of fiber. A lack of roughage affects the dog's ability to digest food, so grass may help their bodily functions run more smoothly. But …
Specifically used to control broadleaf weeds, herbicides available in commercial form will typically lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Exposure to large amounts or concentrate/industrial formulas may rarely lead to myotonia, ataxia, and tremors. So, watch who sprays and when in your neighborhood. I’m having chills remembering this happening to my own …
For too long we were under the impression that benefits could be gained by using herbicides to manage unwanted vegetation. Compared with alternative means of weed control, such as weeding by hand or machine, herbicides are less expensive, faster, and sometimes more selective. But wait …
Some important environmental effects are associated with the use of herbicides. These include unintended damage occurring both on the sprayed site, and offsite. For example, by changing the vegetation of treated sites, herbicide use also changes the habitat of animals such as mammals and birds. This is especially true of herbicides use in forestry, because biodiverse, semi-natural habitats are involved.
In addition, not all the herbicide sprayed is deposited onto the intended spray area. Often there is drift of herbicide beyond the intended spray site, and unintended, offsite damages may be caused to vegetation.
There are also concerns about the toxicity of some herbicides, which may affect people using these chemicals during their occupation, people indirectly exposed through drift or residues on food, and wildlife.
And then there’s our dogs. Dogs need roughage in their diets and grass is a good source of fiber. A lack of roughage affects the dog's ability to digest food, so grass may help their bodily functions run more smoothly. But …
Specifically used to control broadleaf weeds, herbicides available in commercial form will typically lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Exposure to large amounts or concentrate/industrial formulas may rarely lead to myotonia, ataxia, and tremors. So, watch who sprays and when in your neighborhood. I’m having chills remembering this happening to my own …