The negative environmental and economic impacts are huge!
Negative environmental and economic impacts
The story begins with homeowners who want a nice, plush lawn for aesthetics and recreation.So far, so good. The frequency, duration and spread of HABs is increasing—not only along the coasts and bays of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, but along inland lakes and even our public water supply reservoirs.
The risks keep adding up! Here are just some of the consequences.
HEALTH ISSUES FOR HUMANS:
- HABs can cause problems with drinking water supplies, especially from spring to fall, which is peak lawn season.
- HABs produce toxins, including microcystins, that cause symptoms such as skin irritations, gastrointestinal issues, neurological and respiratory problems.
HEALTH ISSUES FOR PETS, WILD ANIMALS & MARINE LIFE:
- Among pets, livestock and other animals, through licking and swimming, digested HAB scum can lead to excessive salivation, fatigue, breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death.
- Not only do HABs kill fish—they can cause massive fish kills.
- HABs diminish crab, clam, oyster and mussel landings.
- HABs kill seagrass, turtles, birds, manatees, dolphins, sea lions and other creatures.
NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT:
- HABs harm fishing, tourism and recreational activities; cause closings of fisheries and swimming beaches; and cause expensive clean-up costs paid by governments (through taxpayers), private organizations, businesses and homeowners. Ugh!
Thankfully, there’s an organic solution—a MUCH better, safer, eco-friendly, economical DIY way to care for your lawn!
