70 Percent of Your Garden Products Could Contain Toxic Chemicals

70 percent of your garden products could contain toxic chemicals and if not used properly, they could be bad for your health. The study conducted by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor tested more than 150 garden products, from hoses, to tools, to gloves and keeling pads, and out of all those products researchers say they're most concerned with garden hoses. 1/3 of the hoses they tested contained lead that did not meet U.S. drinking water standards. Experts say even though it may be tempting to drink the water out of a hose on a hot day, don't do it, because it's tainted with toxic chemicals that aren't good for your body. "It's just one of those common sense things. Go in the house for a glass of water, don't drink out of your garden hose unless of course that it's labeled drinking water safe," said Lisa Harkness, Sales Manager. Experts say there are safe-drinking hoses. All you have to do is read the labels. But here are a couple of other warnings: let the water run a few seconds before using it because the water that's been sitting in the hose will have the highest level of chemicals, store it in the shade because the heat from the sun can melt the chemicals into the water and stay away from brass fittings. Nickel, aluminum or stainless are more likely to be lead-free. The garden center we talked to in Haslett says it's easy to get excited about the spring season, but they want to remind everyone to slow down and take it easy. Gardening can be physical work and if you're out there for a long period of time remember to wear sunscreen and a hat. Source: wlns.com