By: Cathy Cascia

Cathy Cascia — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:44:49 +0000

My lawn care company back in 1993 told me they were treating my lawn for weeds with organics which I requested because I had a baby, a 2-year old and planned to get a dog. Even back then, I had read NOT to put chemicals on your lawn because of their toxic nature, especially to young childern & animals. Made sense to me (and still does!!!). When my previously, perfectly healthy Golden Retriever (who came from a successful breeder who NEVER had a reported incident of cancer regarding her puppies)was diagnosed with TERMINAL mediastinal lymphoma at Age 3 (!!!)and died a lingering,heart-breaking, painful death by age 4 in January,2004(after subjecting him to chemo), I discovered my lawn care company had been treating my lawn with 2,4-D since 1998!!! (6 years, i.e., all 4 years of my dog’s life!) without my knowledge/consent! It is my understanding that the chemical residue adheres to animals paws, which they often lick, and is still found on their paws MANY MONTHS after exposure. In addition, the chemical residue also adheres to their toys (e.g., tennis balls) which they also put in their mouth. Of course, the same is true of young children’s toys and how they put their hands and items/food on the ground in their mouths. It makes much sense to me that my wondedrful pet & friend was very possibly lethally poisoned by our own lawn with this powerful chemical that only had to be applied twice/year a keep our lawn “beautiful & weed-free”.Kathy Brock /Chicago Newscaster aired a powerful expose regarding how a father frequently & unknowingly sprayed weed killer around his young daughter, when she was in her baby pool, & dog, both of whom were stricken with cancer…see Jan/Feb 2005 or 2006 on ABC or NBC, 10PM News.) The public needs to become more educated so that children & pets do not become innocent victims of our naivite, & strife “for perfection & beauty”!!! My house has been pesticide/herbicide-free since my wonderful Golden Retriever passed….I will take weeds & spiders over a beautful lawn and a “pest-free” house any day!

By: Carol Rhoades

Carol Rhoades — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 21:49:32 +0000

The only risk factor for my NHL (SLL/CLL) was exposure to 2,4-D when I was 16 years old. I sprayed bean plants for 2 semesters for a biology class with this herbicide and I consider it the cause of my lymphoma. Carol Rhoades Detroit, Michigan

Comments on: EPA Decides Not To Initiate Special Review for 2,4-D Cancer Risk

By: Cathy Cascia

By: Carol Rhoades