Pesticides in Schools

Understanding the Problems

Creating Positive Change

What Is A Pesticide?

A chemical agent used to kill insects, rodents, molds/fungi, plants

Fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides

Image Courtesy of Purdue University

Pesticides are created to be toxic.

Why Should We Care?

Children are particularly vulnerable to pesticides

Pesticides can make school facilities unsafe

Pesticides create adverse environmental effects – air and water

2005 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association documents widespread pesticide use and poisoning in schools—Classrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, playing fields, and school lawns

Integrated Pest Management can improve health and cut costs by 30%

Why Should We Care?

God made the earth and is its rightful, ultimate owner.

God creates, sustains and values life.

Caring for the Earth is a Moral Imperative.

Why Should We Care?

Humanity is an “embedded steward” called by God to care for the creation of which we are a part.

People grow spiritually through mindful consumption.

We are stewards.

Courtesy of Luther Seminary

Hand-to-mouth behavior and playing close to the ground

Heavier exposures to environmental toxins, pound for pound, compared to adults

Developmental processes can be easily disrupted— “Early windows of great vulnerability”

Many hours spent indoors breathing air that is often 2-5x more contaminated than outdoors

Children are More Vulnerable

National Cancer Institute Statistics:

Percentage Rise in Cancer1973-1995, Children 0-4

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Brain/CNS

Acute LymphoidLeukemiaSoft Tissue

Kidney and RenalPelvis

Type of Cancer

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Incre

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National Cancer Institute Statistics:

Percentage Rise in Cancer1973-1995, Teenagers 15-19

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20

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140

Ovarian

non-Hodgkin'sLymphomaTesticular

Bone and Joint

Thyroid

Type of Cancer

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tag

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Incre

ase

Pesticide-related Health Threats

Pesticides can be asthma triggers. Nationwide 1 in 13 children have asthma, and a study at UMDNJ found that 1 in 8 children in New Jersey have it. Asthma is the primary factor for school absenteeism and hospital admission among chronic conditions.

Pesticides can increase childhood learning disabilities and hyperactive behavior

“Overall evidence strongly suggests that a poor environment in schools, due primarily to effects of indoor pollutants, adversely influences the health, performance, and attendance of students”

–US Department of Education report, 2004

What Are You Really Spraying?

Skin, Eye Irritation

Asthma

Immunotoxicity

Cancer Neurological Toxicity

Disruption of Endocrine

System

Developmental Toxicity

Reproductive Harm

Birth Defects

Pesticides

Pesticides as Asthma Triggers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have shown that pesticides cause the airway to contract and restrain airflow

Pesticides can also trigger asthma attacks by directly damaging cells that line the lungs

Landmark 2004 study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal found children exposed to herbicides during their first year of life are 4.5 times more likely to get asthma before the age of five

For example: Glyphosate, also known as Roundup has been linked to pneumonia and damage to the upper respiratory tract

Image Courtesy of HealthyTexas.org

What Are You Really Spraying?

The National Institute for Medical Research in France found children exposed in the womb or during early childhood to household pesticides are 2X as likely to get leukemia

A University of North Dakota study found pesticide exposure connected to lower IQ

Hyperactivity: Some commonly used pesticides cause lifelong hyperactivity in rats if administered on a critical day of development

Of the 48 most commonly used pesticides in schools, the US EPA classifies 22 as possible or probable carcinogens!

Courtesy of Colorado State Univ. Cooperative Extension

Effects on Cognition

A groundbreaking social study between Mexican and US universities examined Mexican preschool age children and found: Children exposed to pesticides had

cognition problems as compared to those without exposure

Pesticide exposure connected to impaired stamina, motor coordination, memory and drawing ability, as well as differences in play behavior

Effects on Cognition

Courtesy of Guillette, E., et al.

Lingering Problems

One study showed a single spraying of chlorpyrifos remained on surfaces for 2 weeks

2,4-D can be tracked from lawns into facilities, and estimates show it can stay in carpet for up to one year Image Courtesy of Project Clean Water

Environmental Factors

The EPA has detected more than 132 pesticide-related compounds in ground water

Recent studies of major rivers and streams documented that 96% of all fish, 100% of all surface water samples and 33% of major aquifers contained one or more pesticides at detectable levels

Reproductive problems in wildlife Potential cause of increasing amphibian declines

and deformities Decline of pollinator and other

beneficial insects Fish and bird kills documented

In Summary…

Pests are not the only ones affected Pesticides are designed to be toxic. Pesticides are linked to various health

ailments and environmental problems

The good news: safer alternatives exist.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

A proven alternative to pesticide use

Prevention is Key

Eliminate the Cause, Not the Symptom

Least Toxic Pesticides Are the Last Option

Healthy Homes Program in Boston Shows Less Severe Asthma with IPM

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Before IPM After IPM

Very Mild

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Asthma Rating 0-6 months After IPM

Successful Examples

Cape May County, NJ: In 1992 routine applications of pesticides were permanently discontinued. When chemicals are deemed necessary, an entomologist determines the least toxic option. Cumulative savings to date amount to $44,551!

Monroe County, Indiana achieved a 92 percent reduction in pesticide use, enabling them to also direct their cost savings to hire a district-wide coordinator to oversee pest management in the schools.

-- Monroe County Community Schools Corporation, Indiana

Steps to a Successful IPM Program

Most Important Adopt a School IPM Policy

Additional Steps Notification of school community

when pesticides are used Provide Resources to school

community about the pesticides used Record pesticide usage in a log Maintain Right-to-Know for parents

about pesticide policy and actions Celebrate your success

Most Important: Adoption of An IPM Policy

Explain the reasons for and objectives of the policy

Outline requirements for elimination of pesticides

Present guidelines for handling pests

Communicate these ideas to the school community

IPM Policy: 4 Key Ingredients

Define Create an enforceable list of pesticides that are acceptable for use in the

school List the alternative products that will replace toxic chemicals

Educate CHEJ/GreenFaith can train the IPM coordinator and facilities maintenance

personnel about the new guidelines Provide an educational assembly for the school community on IPM and the

purpose and content of the policy

Implement Properly apply new products Begin new cleaning/prevention strategies

Evaluate Assess if the products are working effectively Make changes accordingly

Additional Steps to Make IPM A Part of Your School

Notification: 72 hour notification to community if pesticides are to be used, via signs and letters

Provide Resources: Provide resources to parents explaining health and toxicity information of pesticides used

Record: Accurate record keeping helps to identify problems and treat them with minimal chemical usage

Maintain Right-to-Know: Annual distribution of IPM policy and pesticide usage to parents

Students Can Get Involved!

Pest sighting log Artistic projects Articles in newsletters or papers Student research and

presentations

There is a tremendous opportunity to make IPM a part of any school’s curriculum

Dr. Daniel A. Suomi, Pest Control Operator Specialist, WSDA

Celebrate!

Communicate your successes to the entire school community

Publicize in local media to lead others schools by example

Welcome visitors to your school to showcase your success

How Do I Dispose of My Current Pesticide Supply?

EPA Guidelines:

If the container is partly filled, contact your local solid waste agency. If the container is completely empty, throw it in the trash.

To identify your local solid waste agency, look in the government section of your phone book under categories such as solid waste, public works, or garbage, trash, or refuse collection or you can call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Do not pour leftover pesticides down the sink, into the toilet, or down a sewer or street drain. Pesticides may interfere with the operation of wastewater treatment systems or pollute waterways. Many municipal systems are not equipped to remove all pesticide residues.

Images Courtesy of UCIPM

Integrated Pest Management

A proven alternative to pesticide use Prevention of the cause rather than

treatment of the symptoms Improves indoor air quality, saves

money, and is just as effective as pesticide usage!

IPM: Stewardship of creation and the future of your students

You Have The Power To Make A Difference

“The designer and maker of the earth established the earth, not creating it to be a waste, but designing it to be lived in.” 

Isaiah 45:18

Questions?