Letters

Stop and think before using pesticides on your property. Use can ultimately pollute our aquifers, bays and ultimately even the magnificent ocean. Pesticide contamination affects the health of both humans and animals, destroys pollinator pathways and poisons our soil. Here’s why.

Before the mid-1970s, it was thought that soil acted as a protective filter that stopped pesticides from reaching groundwater. Studies have now shown that this is not the case. Pesticides can reach water-bearing aquifers below ground from applications onto crop fields, seepage of contaminated surface water, accidental spills and leaks, improper disposal, and even through injection of waste material into wells.

The National Library of Medicine reported that “most studies on non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia showed positive associations with pesticide exposure.” Other cancers have been linked to pesticide exposure as well.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey Water Science School, homeowners and farmers use over 1 billion pounds of pesticides a year: “Pesticide contamination of groundwater is a subject of national importance, because groundwater is used for drinking by about 50 percent of the nation’s population.” This especially concerns people living in agricultural areas like ours, where about 95 percent of the population relies upon groundwater for drinking.

Pesticides not only kill so-called pests but beneficial pollinators, such as birds, bees, bats and hummingbirds, as well as an array of wasps, moths and butterflies. Soil health can influence the development of flowers, pollen and nectar and plays an important role in pollinator visitation patterns.

As an individual, you can help reduce the use of pesticides by exploring alternatives. Collectively, we can make a significant reduction. Use natural alternatives such as diamaceous earth and neem oil. Take some time to learn about introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, praying mantises, nematodes, masson bees and earthworms. All are available at garden centers, where you can get help.

Your health and that of future generations, as well as our food supply, are at risk. Please stop and think before you spray.

Melissa Morgan Nelson

President

Westhampton Garden Club

Member

Conservation Committee