Use of Pesticides and Health

Child Health Consequences with Home and School Pesticides

The children Environmental health network reminds all preschool centers and homes to be mindful of the chemicals you use in and around your home. This month CEHN put out important calls to action around Integrated Pest management and the important and yet simple and effective step we can take to avoid pesticides in our learning environments.

"Reducing exposures to environmental hazards like pesticides can help protect children’s health. Science has shown that pesticide exposure increases the risks of childhood lymphomas, leukemias, and brain cancers. To reduce pesticide exposure in child care facilities, use least-toxic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to eliminate insects and rodents."-CEHN

Examples of IPM practices:

• Only allow children to eat food in the designated meal areas;

• Limit the use of food items for crafts and always store food items in tightly sealed glass or metal containers;

• Fix all leaks promptly and remove standing water;

• Seal or caulk cracks and holes;

• Contract with a pest control operator that employs least-toxic IPM.

"You can also reduce pesticide exposure in your child care or home by removing shoes at the door and/or having doormats. Keep dust levels low by vacuuming with a HEPA filter or wet mopping.

To learn about Children environmental heath network there mission and resources for teachers and families visit there website~ https://cehn.org/