Kids exposed to pesticides at school

NEW YORK — American children may be exposed to pesticides at school more often than their parents realize; a new study suggests that 2,593 acute pesticide-related illnesses were associated with exposure in schools occurring between 1998 and 2002, causing a concern about facilities management practices, according to a Forbes.com article Tuesday, July 26.

Eighty-nine percent of the 2,593 acute pesticide-related illnesses from school exposure were of low severity, and according to the article, the causes were:

• 35 percent caused by insecticides

• 32 percent caused by disinfectants containing antimicrobial properties

• 13 percent caused by repellants

• 11 percent caused by herbicides

• 9 percent were attributed to other causes

• 69 percent of the illnesses resulted from pesticide use at schools

• 31 percent was attributed to drift from nearby farmland

The article advises schools to use integrated pest management techniques and try to reduce or eliminate pesticide drift from nearby farms by creating buffer zones between schools and farms, as well as take other measures to prevent drift.

Integrated pest management means that rather than routinely spraying for pests, schools should first attempt to prevent pest problems from occurring, including keeping the kitchens clean, keeping food in airtight containers, and sealing up any cracks and crevices where pests can enter the building, according to the article.

Cleaning & Maintenance Management August 10,2005