In May 1997, fumes of two commonly used herbicides entered into classrooms in a Portland, Oregon school through air-conditioning ducts, as crews sprayed grounds just outside. As a result, the school was evacuated and a dozen students were treated for respiratory problems and nausea. The chemicals used were 2,4-D and Roundup. 2,4-D, commonly known as the trademarked products Weed-B-Gone and Lawn Keep, is a component of Agent Orange and has produced serious eye and skin irritation among agricultural workers.

Chemicals are used to treat athletic fields, playgrounds, and parking lots. Pest control in schools is virtually unregulated and practices vary from state to state and district to district. Despite the adverse effects of pesticides notify children when they plan to spray.

A statewide survey in Wisconsin indicated that 71% of the public schools surveyed used pesticides outdoors, 85% of those have no policy governing pesticide use, and only 9% notify parents of pesticide application. Children are more susceptible to pesticide exposure because their activities include playing in the grass and their organs are not mature enough to handle the toxins.

What can you do? Contact you local school district and find out about their pesticide application policy. Inform them of the dangers of pesticides and the together weigh the benefits of pesticide use against the health of your children. Develop a policy, which is forward thinking, safe, and protective of children.

Sources

"Children's Enviromental Health Platform" (http//www.psr.org/children.html)

"Children's Exposure to Pesticides"October 1997, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Star Report, EPA.

"For Children, lawn pesticides are a bigger threat than weeds" April 8, 1999, Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn. Susan Berkson

"Kids Need More Protection from Chemicals Environment", January 28, 1999, Los Angeles Times, Lawrie Mott.