Like many of our readers, you’re probably trying to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals in your home. Maybe you’re using environmentally friendly soaps and cleaning products, and cutting back or even eliminating pesticides.
But when you’re kids go to school, things could be very different.
A recent report from the Oregon Toxics Alliance shows that pesticides, even those linked to cancer and learning disabilities, are “routinely used in and around Oregon’s schools.” Over a ten-year period, the group found 43 cases where kids were exposed to toxic pesticides at school. In a handful of cases, it was so bad that students or staff needed medical attention, or the school had to be evacuated.
The Alliance and other environmental groups are now trying to build support for two bills that would reduce the risks of toxic chemicals at schools. One requires all schools to follow procedures designed to reduce the use of pesticides. The other tells schools to start using cleaning products that are certified “green”.
Here’s a look at what’s being proposed.
Senate Bill 637 says all schools, private and public, will have to start using what’s called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The idea, says Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis of the Oregon Environmental Council, is to help schools “make smart choices and think about things before using that can of Raid.”
It starts with using non-toxic methods to control pests. That includes such things as keeping food off counter tops, plugging holes with caulk or steel wool, or putting wire mesh in front of vents and other openings. Hackenmiller-Paradis says it doesn’t make sense to “bomb everything” if you haven’t already removed the sources of food, water and shelter that the pests need to survive.
If those methods don’t work, then the law allows schools to use nontoxic or low-impact pesticides that are applied by a licensed worker.
“We’re not against pesticides,” says Hackenmiller-Paradis, explaining that pests can also cause health problems. She says IPM shows schools how to, “effectively manage pests in a way that minimizes the use of pesticides.”
IPM methods are already followed in some Oregon school districts including Portland, Eugene and Mapleton.
Senate Bill 668 is the companion bill that says all Oregon schools must adopt “green” cleaning policies. Mostly it requires schools to use products that are certified environmentally friendly by such groups as Eco-label and Green Seal. Hackenmiller-Paradis says most large cleaning companies already have a “green line” of products so it should be easy for schools to convert.
Both bills went before the Senate Education and General Government Committee last week with little opposition. No new hearings have been scheduled.
For more information, or to leave comments and learn how to take action, please follow the “Continue reading” link.
