http://www.europeancleaningjournal.com/magazine/web-articles/latest-news/credit-cards-more-dirty-than-toilet-seats

According to www.beyondpesticides.org, “The active ingredient, usually the only component of the formulation listed on the pesticide label, is by nature biologically and chemically active against a target pest, be it an insect, weed or fungus. By definition these chemicals kill living things.”

Child-health advocates are working to garner support for a federal bill, thwarted repeatedly, that would extend similar rules across the country.  Lawncare industry members, with the support of some local officials, are lobbying to undo the Connecticut and other similar state laws, arguing that a blanket ban goes too far.

To read more:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/27/children-health-pesticides-fields-schools_n_1382688.html?ref=green

I was so happy to know that laws like the CT one exist – and then wondered if any similar laws exist for pesticide use INSIDE the school?  In PA, for example, there is no statewide law regulating use of pesticides, and the best practice they suggest is notifying people that pesticides are being used.  Are you supposed to keep your children home?  What if you miss the sign?  I’m not sure how that’s helpful.

How about alternatives that don’t include toxic chemicals?  Integrated Pest Management principles advocate tearing down the silos between cleaning and pest management, and approaching things with a holistic approach.  Keeping the school cleaner automatically means there will be lest pest to control.  Of course, I argue that a chemical-free program is the least harmful approach in a school – so is chemical-free pest management far behind?