Fertilizer!

Since it was brought up the other day, I thought I would do a quick look at what types of environmental issues can arise from the use of fertilizers. Turns out many common fertilizers contain problematic ingredients, nitrogen being one of the most common, and uranium being one of the most dangerous. Rainstorms cause fertilizer runoff into groundwater, with significant effects. About half the lakes in the United States are estimated to have undergone eutrophication, which is a lack of oxygen, making these waters uninhabitable. The water is often noticeably discolored. Phosphate fertilizers often contain radioactive metals such as uranium and polonium-210, which have been shown to cause cancer. Plants can absorb these metals, and as such, the average American adult is estimated to consume about 500 micrograms of uranium every year (.5 mg). Alternatives to these fertilizers, or at least a means to reduce their use requires further research. Think twice before spraying your lawn and vegetables!