THE YARD and GARDEN  TOXICS TEST

American suburbs are famous for their nice lawns, well-appointed flower beds and be-decked back yards. Great
for leisurely weekends with the family and pets. The only catch is that toxic chemicals may be lurking in the soil or even on the deck. The heavy metals arsenic and lead, as well as bannedand current pesticides are potential concerns. And the problems aren't just in the suburbs. Rural and even urban homes can share these backyard issues.

Some of the major backyard toxics have been banned for decades but they are persistent so they could still be present if they were ever applied to your house or land. Therefore, the first question has to do with when your house was built.

TOXICS for PRE-1978 HOMES - You may indeed have each of the following toxic chemicals in your yard. For some, it doesn't matter when your house was built as they are still in use today. Review each below to find out about their toxic  effects, whether to test, and how to prevent exposure. While this is particularly pertinent to those who garden or have young children, we encourage everyone to find out what may be in their yard.


LEAD in SOIL - from exterior house paint - banned in 1978

HOUSEHOLD INSECTICIDES
Tempted to zap that conga line of ants invading your kitchen? Find out  how to keep the ants at bay with low or  no pesticide use and other alternatives.

CHLORDANE in SOIL - Pesticides for ants and termites - banned in 1988

DIELDRIN, DDT, ARSENIC in SOIL - farm pesticides - banned in the 1980's


ARSENIC in DECKS and PLAYSCAPES - wood preservatives - phased out in 2005

MODERN PESTICIDES in SOIL - Lawn & garden chemicals still in use

Confused about the armament of of pesticides at the garden shop? Find out what the chemical risks and alternative are on our Yard and Garden Pesticides page.