Health Risks of gardening

There are different health risks related with gardening, ranging from physical overexertion (over exercise) and sunburn to very serious injuries caused dues to inappropriate use or maintenance of power equipment.

Power Tools and Equipment

• There is a possibility of occurrence of injury when a lawnmower slips or turns upside down on a slope or wet grass, from rocks and debris, or from clearing blocked blades when a power mower is running.
• Electric shock is a possible danger that occurs many times when operating tools with eroded cords or in wet conditions.
• Due to excessive noise produced by power garden equipment, gradual permanent hearing loss or irritation can occur.

Overexertion
Muscle strain, back injuries, and burns can occur when moving a more weight than body can manage, bending, and inappropriate use of garden tools. Performing one task for too long can cause repetitive strain injury.

Chemicals

• Pesticides (like herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides) should always be applied with care as per the label instructions to avoid possible health problems.
• Sometimes, poisoning can occur when especially children ingest garden chemicals by chance.

Sun
Generally, if a person is Over-exposed to the sun, it can cause sunstroke, sunburn and long-term diseases like skin cancer.

Unintentional injuries

• Bulbs and seeds can sometimes cause suffocating problems for young children.
• Some plant varieties are toxic to children who try to eat them by chance.

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