Pesticides A Toxic Time Bomb in Our Midst

Four Pesticides in Schools

Unfortunately, they don’t envision a helicopter flying a half a mile away put-

ting out pesticides. They don’t envision that their child’s school is gonna be

right across the street from a lemon orchard.

—Susan Johnson^1

Introduction

One of the most important ways to protect our children’s health is to prevent their ex-
posure to pesticides and other toxins that may be used in their schools. Children are
far more sensitive to low concentrations of toxic chemicals because of their developing
organs and high metabolism. Pesticides are often used for ridding school buildings and
areas of rodents, insects, and other pests. But they only work temporarily and must be
reapplied. However, the poisons found in pesticides may harm more than just pests.
Children already have proportionally more pesticide exposures than adults. Pesticides
have been linked to certain cancers, damage to the central nervous system, and neuro-
logical and behavior problems, as well as acute poisoning. No pesticides have been
tested specifically for threats to children or in combination with other chemicals.
Schools should be environmentally healthy places for children to learn, for teachers
to teach, and for other school employees to work. Our society suffers when schools
become so run down and toxic that they become a stress to the body’s systems rather
than an inspiration to young minds.
Likewise, playgrounds should be places where children can play without risk of
being exposed to pesticides, contaminated play structures, or other health hazards.
Parents should not have to worry about much more than sprained ankles and scuffed
kneecaps when they let their children play in such areas.
The simple fact is that while parents can exert control over the chemicals they use
in their homes, the same doesn’t necessarily hold true for the schools and playgrounds
where their children spend much of their time. Every day, school and playground