The use of synthetic fertilizers throughout the years has caused an overabundance of toxic chemicals to enter our oceans and rivers. The runoff water and soil from farmlands and residential properties that use these chemicals are beginning to enter the drinking water supply causing a wide variety of health problems. Researchers have found that when the warm water of the Mississippi river combines with the cold water from the Atchafalaya river the differences in the water temperatures creates an atmosphere were algae grows, then dies and decomposes. This decomposition of toxic algal blooms and the over enrichment of the environment in the water leads to the death of shrimp, shellfish, fish, sea grasses, and coral reefs. A report from the United Nations states that inappropriate irrigation and low stream water has increased the amount of saline in the freshwater supply. This increase of saline has lead to an inability of agricultural land to sustain important crops.

The increase of nitrates in drinking water from the usage of synthetic fertilizers has been linked with an increase in testicular, stomach, gastric and cancer of the bladder. According to a study conducted by a university in Iowa, the concentration of nitrates in the drinking water has reach a level of 5 ppm (parts per million). The study continues stating, women that drink water with a higher than 2.46ppm are almost 3 percent more likely to develop bladder cancer. This ground water contamination has also led to methemoglobinemia also known as blue baby syndrome. This disease occurs when mixing baby formula with contaminated drinking water. This contamination produces a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood which can cause irritability, lethargy, coma or death.

The fertilizer urea produces ammonia which releases nitrous oxide into the air and contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, and groundwater contamination. The over abundance of nitrogen in the air and water has led to an increase in cancer, cardiac disease and respiratory ailments. Groundwater contamination has also been linked to birth deformities, goiters, and hypertension. Chemical fertilizers when mixed with pesticides can alter the function of the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems of children and developing fetuses. The changes in these systems can lead to aggression and the inability to learn.

The use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers are endangering the health and lives of humans and the marine life through the toxin emitted into the air and groundwater supplies. These increased toxins are causing allergies, respiratory problems and many different forms of cancer. It has led to an increase in birth defects and the alteration of the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems in children and the unborn fetus. The emission of nitrous oxide has led to the depletion of the ozone layer and acid rain. These fertilizers are water soluble and have been accumulating for years.

These issues also apply to homeowners who use chemical fertilizers and pesticides in their lawn. Every lawn that does so, contributes to the overall problem. So with so many negatives of chemical based fertilizers, is there a green alternative? BR Green is the answer and delivers a purely organic lawn care and fertilization program that helps you reduce contamination without sacrificing the overall appearance of your lawn and landscape.