Moss killer products contain chemicals that can be toxic to humans and pets if used improperly. However when applied correctly and safely, moss killers do not pose a significant health risk. This article examines the potential toxicity of moss killers safety precautions for using them, and alternative moss removal methods.
Active Ingredients in Moss Killers
The active ingredients in moss killers are primarily salts sulfates, and chlorates of metals like iron zinc, and copper. Some common ingredients include
- Ammonium sulfate
- Copper sulfate
- Ferric and ferrous sulfates
- Sodium pentachlorophenate
- Zinc sulfate
These metallic salts interfere with photosynthesis, enzyme function, and other processes in moss, causing it to die. However, they can also be toxic to people and animals at high doses. The potential toxicity depends on the specific chemical, concentration, and manner of exposure.
Toxicity and Health Hazards
Many moss killer ingredients are corrosive at high concentrations and can irritate or burn skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Swallowing large amounts can cause gastrointestinal distress. With repeated high exposure, some compounds like pentachlorophenol can affect the liver, kidneys, blood, and central nervous system.
The health risks mainly come from direct contact with high chemical concentrations. When used properly outdoors, moss killers pose little hazard because the chemicals quickly wash away and dilute to low levels.
However, indoor use of moss killers carries more risk. Chemical vapors are confined indoors and residues can remain on surfaces at higher concentrations. Babies and pets crawling on treated floors are especially vulnerable.
Safe Use and Storage
To minimize risks, carefully follow all label instructions when using moss killers:
- Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling the product.
- Apply using a sprinkling can or tank sprayer, not a misting device.
- Use the minimum amount needed to treat the moss. More is not better.
- Avoid drift onto other plants, especially edibles. Stay away from pools, ponds, and storm drains.
- Keep people and pets off treated areas until the product has dried or watered in.
- Rinse off any skin or eye exposure immediately.
- Store products locked up and away from children and pets.
Proper use and storage ensures moss killer exposure stays well below dangerous levels. Safety precautions are especially important when using indoor moss treatments. Consider hiring a professional service for indoor jobs.
Disposal and Alternatives
To dispose of leftover moss killer, use up the product as intended or bring it to a hazardous waste collection event. Do not pour it down drains or discard the container in the trash.
For a more eco-friendly approach, try alternative moss control methods:
- Improve lawn drainage and aeration to discourage moss growth.
- Spread lime or gypsum to raise soil pH if it is too acidic.
- Scratch up moss with a rake and overseed with grass.
- Apply corn gluten meal in early spring to deter moss.
- Use vinegar sprays and boiling water spot treatments.
- Install zinc strips along roof ridges to inhibit moss.
With proper precautions, moss killers can be used safely outdoors. But natural methods are better suited for indoor use and around children and pets. Consider moss a symptom of underlying lawn issues to address, rather than just an isolated problem to eliminate.
Moss killer chemicals can be hazardous at high concentrations, especially with indoor use. However, when label directions are carefully followed, these products present a low health risk, comparable to other pesticides. Practicing good safety habits, exploring alternative methods, and improving conditions that foster moss will allow effective control without toxic exposures. Addressing underlying causes provides the best long-term moss prevention.
What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to zinc sulfate?
Zinc is important for our bodies to work right, but too much zinc sulfate can make us sick and give us stomachaches, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Zinc sulfate can irritate the lungs, make you sick, make you throw up, give you stomachaches, make you dizzy, make you depressed, give your mouth a metallic taste, and even kill you. Exposure by skin contact can damage the skin leading to ulcers, blisters and scarring. Zinc sulfate can cause severe eye irritation, resulting in redness and pain.
Zinc is also an essential nutrient for animals. But, just like in people, too much zinc can make animals throw up, have diarrhea, lose their appetite, become depressed, turn their skin yellow, have faster heart rates, pee blood, and change the way their blood is chemistry. See the fact sheet on Pets and Pesticide Use for more information.
How does zinc sulfate work?
Zinc binds to proteins or organic acids in plants. When it’s in large amounts, it stops moss and other plants from growing and hurts the cells, turning them yellow.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Moss in Your Yard
FAQ
What happens if you use too much moss killer?
Is moss toxic to humans?
What to do after spraying moss killer?
What is the best non toxic moss killer?
Is Moss poisonous?
It is non-toxic and contains no irritants that can harm the skin. However, it is always possible that moss can harbor small insects or bacteria, so it is advisable to wash your hands after touching it. Also, some people may be allergic to moss, so it’s best to proceed cautiously if you know you have allergies to specific plants or fungi.
Does sea moss give energy?
Moss is highly nutritious. Therefore, its consumption is healthy and beneficial for the body. In this way, some of the main nutrients that compose it are: proteins, various mineral salts and vitamin A, which has an antioxidant action.
What is moss killer?
Moss killers used to eliminate moss on roofs or structures where desirable vegetation will not be affected often contain some form of zinc, soap salts or acid. Zinc sulfate in the form of zinc sulfate monohydrate is the active ingredient in some moss killers used to treat moss on roofs or structures.
Are moss killers acidic?
Acids in moss killers are generally citric or acetic acids. Acid-based products may stain or lighten surfaces and damage metallic surfaces. As with all other moss killers, products that contain acid should not be allowed to run off directly into water.
What is the least toxic moss killer?
Acid-based moss killers, as with soap salt–based moss killers, are among the least toxic moss killers. Acids in moss killers are generally citric or acetic acids. Acid-based products may stain or lighten surfaces and damage metallic surfaces.
Is Moss bad for You?
Moss also contains a lot of bacteria and possible parasites which can be of danger to humans if they are not properly cleaned and cooked. But in some culinary contexts, mosses are sometimes used as a garnish or flavor to give a dish a bit of an earthy taste.