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What Are the Effects of Fertilizers on a Human?

Inorganic and organic fertilizers are effective in helping your plants thrive; however, they both cause health-related problems in humans. From nervous-system failure to abdominal pain, the reactions from using fertilizers on your lawn and garden run the gamut between the mild annoyance of a stomachache--and death. So choosing the right fertilizer is of the utmost importance.

  1. Inorganic Fertilizers

    • Inorganic fertilizers are those made from minerals and other naturally occurring substances. Phosphorus is a nutrient found in the fossilized remains of marine life. Potassium comes from the salt left after water has evaporated, and combining natural gas and oxygen produces nitrogen. Some trace chemicals that are also found in fertilizers are calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, chlorine, iron, zinc and copper.

      Pre-mixed to the proper specifications for a green lawn or healthy flowers, inorganic fertilizers are seen as a convenient alternative to messy manure or compost. Inorganic fertilizers work more quickly than organic, because nothing in the artificial fertilizer needs to be broken down in order to release its nutrients.

    Organic Fertilizers

    • Compost, seaweed, some algae, cow and horse manure, peat moss and compost are known as organic fertilizers. Environmentally conscience gardeners lean toward using organics, because they are deemed safer for the environment. Because organic fertilizers take a long time to break down, they do not wash away as easily and end up in storm drains or lakes.

    Health Problems from Inorganic Fertilizers

    • James W. Jaeger and Ian H. Carlson at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, discovered that the common fertilizer nitrate, when tested on mice, caused endocrine, immune and nervous-system malfunctions. Birth defects were also a common occurrence in mice forced to drink nitrate-laden water. Not only can inorganic fertilizer cause health problems, it can even lead to death if ingested.

    Health Problems from Organic Fertilizers

    • Manure, compost and peat moss are the three top choices for organic fertilizer. However, these fertilizers come with their own health risks. They tend to contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and listeria, as well as salmonella. You may also have to contend with parasites and microorganisms. Organic fertilizers containing harmful organisms can cause vomiting and other flu-like symptoms.

    Safest and Most Effective Fertilizers

    • Peat moss and seaweed are generally the safest forms of organic fertilizers, because they do not contain bacteria-laden feces. According to the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, peat moss aerates plant roots when mixed with soil, holds moisture and reduces the loss of nutrients from the soil by releasing the nutrients over time.

      Even manure, if aged properly, can be safe and beneficial. Stay away from inorganics, as they tend to cause permanent, sometimes deadly, health effects.

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