Leisure World of MD: CAUTION: TOXIC LAWN CHEMICALS HAVE BEEN APPLIED

POINT BLANK: LEISURE WORLD OF MARYLAND-INSIDE/OUT

This is a warning  to those already residing in and those looking to buy in Leisure World of Maryland:   

Toxic lawn chemicals are being used (sprayed and applied)  in this senior citizens community of 8500+ people.

The Leisure World of Maryland Board of Directors members have been provided reams of scientific documentation describing the effects of toxic lawn chemicals used in this community.  They have heard professionals describe the dangers to people and pets resulting from the continued toxic chemical applications.  On Thursday May 8, 2014, the largest residential area in Leisure World (Montgomery Mutual) was bombarded with the chemical 2-4-D.  There was no escaping the pervasive chemical odor seeping into the lungs.  Many residents shut their doors and windows, did not leave their homes, while others donned protective masks in order to walk outside.  Over the past year, many residents have submitted letters describing illnesses their dogs have suffered subsequent to these toxic pesticide and herbicide applications, in one case a reported death of a show dog.

In her book “Silent Spring” published 52 years ago, Rachel Carson exposed the truth about the toxic dangers of pesticides to all living beings. Carrying on her legacy, The Rachel Carson Council research indicates that 2-4-D is  [1] “linked to both immediate toxicity and long term chronic conditions: including neurological disorders, cancer and endocrine disrupting effects in people. Scientific data has shown that dogs are significantly more sensitive than many people to the adverse effects of 2-4-D due to a slow excretion rate of this chemical from their bodies. A healthy young dog developed life-threatening kidney failure following exposure to a lawn freshly treated with a product consisting of 2,4-D and two related herbicides.”

A heartbreaking example of the effect this lawn chemical can cause In 2012, a North Salt Lake City Utah family’s dog died moments after simply inhaling 2-4-D after it was sprayed at the next door neighbor’s yard.[2]

The Board of Directors, Executive Committee, the well salaried Leisure World management corporation officers, and every member of each Mutual Board of Directors have a fiduciary and moral responsibility. They must advocate and take affirmative actions to protect the health and welfare of the residents.  On the contrary, rather than addressing resident reports of pain and illness related to their allowing pesticide applications,  their actions exhibit concern only about the thinly veiled esthetic appearance viewed by the unsuspecting potential buyer.

Failed leadership, fiduciary irresponsibility, outdated and cowardly representation is portrayed by their refusal to champion a ban on toxic pesticides.   Environmentally conscious Leisure World residents decry any longer being subjected to them .

See:”LEADERSHIP NEEDS TO COME FROM THE TOP”

slk

[1]http://www.rachelcarsoncouncil.org/index.php?page=the-herbicide-2-4-d

[2]http://archive.sltrib.com/printfriendly.php?id=55033878&itype=cmsid