Pesticides in Schools
THE ISSUE
According to the US News and World Report, one in every six American children suffers from such problems as autism, aggression, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Experts point to a variety of reasons why the rate of these disorders seems to be increasing, including better medical techniques to diagnose them. But, more and more studies are suggesting links between learning disabilities and exposure to toxins. There is a new movement to cut down on children's exposure to harmful chemicals.
Children are especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals because their brains continue to develop throughout adolescence. A 1993 study by the National Academy of Sciences found children to be more susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides than adults because they take in more air, food and water in proportion to their body weight. Children are also more likely than adults to expose themsleves to harmful chemicals by playing in the grass and by putting foreign objects in their mouths.
Pesticide industry representatives admit there is some danger inherent in pesticide-use, however, they insist that the chemicals are subjected to rigorous testing by the corporations using them, and subsequently, by the government. Allen James, President of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, says the EPA demands more than 120 different tests for chemicals prior to their use. These tests include the potential impact on children, adults, the environment and animals. It can take 8-10 years for testing to be performed, and costs a company about $50 million, and then afterwards, is subjected to a vigorous EPA review.
Concerned parents across the country have banned together to form a new movement to protect their children from harmful pesticides by limiting their use in schools. Integrated Pest Management is a new comprehensive system of pest control that minimizes use of pesticides. An Integrated Pest Management system means not just limiting pesticide use outside, but also inside where childern come into contact with food in the school kitchen and lunchroom.
Senator Barbara Boxer of California has been working hard over the last few years to reduce children's exposure to harmful toxins by trying to change federal regulations of pesticides, which measure their toxicity. As it stands, these regulations are based on the effects of these chemicals on a grown man, and not a child. Senator Boxer's bill would also fund more research on the impact of pesticides on children.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Children's Health Environmental Coalition
