"Cedar McGourty-Batchelor won't be playing soccer this Saturday. Neither will his first-grade teammates from Riverview Elementary School -- nor, for that matter, any other kids in Durango, Colo."

"Concerns from local soccer moms and dads who learned a synthetic weed killer containing at least two possible carcinogens would be applied to fields one day before their children would be running, kicking and most likely rolling around on the grass, pushed the city to postpone all youth soccer games scheduled for Saturday.

'I believe these chemicals are harmful, and it's best for my son not to be exposed to them,' said Sheryl McGourty, Cedar's mom, who wrote to Durango Parks and Recreation with her concerns.

Scott Sallee, owner of Scott's Pro-Lawn, referred to the 'fuss' mounting nationwide over lawn pesticides as 'much ado about nothing.' He is contracted to spray herbicides on Durango's grass fields every spring and fall, and said he scheduled this Friday's treatment of the Riverview Athletic Complex to ensure no kids would be around during or immediately after his work."

Lynne Peeples reports for the Huffington Post October 12, 2012. [2]