Are garden herbicides safe to use?

Sri88

Hi all,

I like to use the garden basics 1L weed killer a couple of times a year to clear up some weeds and grasses. But my wife is concerned about the possible health effects of herbicides. I did try an organinc herbicid, but as advertised it only killed the weed at surface level.

Can I get some clarification on the safety of herbicides or alternitives?

Thanks In advance

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Sri88 . It’s wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for your question about herbicides.

Herbicides such as glyphosate-based products are approved for use in Australia and New Zealand when used according to the manufacturer’s directions, and the majority of people use them effectively for controlling weeds and grasses around the home. 

When using any herbicides or garden care chemicals, it’s important to carefully follow all label instructions, including mixing rates, application methods and safety precautions. When using any herbicides, proper personal protective equipment is important. This generally means gloves, safety glasses, a face mask, long sleeves and trousers, and enclosed footwear. But read the label for exact requirements. This helps minimise exposure during mixing and spraying.

Some non-glyphosate options worth considering are: 

•  OCP Slasher Weedkiller Concentrate 

•  Richgro Beat-A-Weed Natural Weedkiller 

•  Seasol EarthCare Organic Weedkiller Concentrate 

These are non-selective products that will kill most vegetation they contact. They generally work quite quickly, but may sometimes require a second treatment for absolute success. This might include some tougher perennial weeds and if treating in the cooler parts of the year when chemicals aren’t taken up as effectively by the plants. 

As we take health and safety very seriously, we've passed your question on to Robert Chin, Bunnings Compliance Manager, Biosecurity & Nursery Standards. His response is below:

If you are concerned, then what you should be doing is looking for the hazard rating on the herbicides you are considering. These are found at the top of the label on the herbicide. The warnings are a nationally regulated standard that shows users the level of risk.

You will see headings like: 

•  No ‘signal heading’ – assume a very low risk. The chemical is ‘unscheduled’, and it is relatively safe for the person using the chemical. 

•  CAUTION The chemical is potentially low to moderately hazardous.

•  POISON The chemical is potentially very hazardous to the person using the chemical. 

So using the appropriate chemical according to the instructions is considered safe. However, never treat any chemical lightly, as it may still affect our health, either in the short term or the long term if not used correctly. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell