![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081109154407im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Children's health and pesticides in the Pacific Southwest
National Links
- Protecting children from pesticides General information about protecting children from pesticide risks
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools
Resources for controlling pests in the school environment
- America's Children and the Environment: Pesticides
Information about pesticide residue levels in foods typically consumed by children.
Children are at greater risk than adults from some pesticides for a number of reasons. Children’s organs are still developing and they may metabolize chemicals differently, which can make them more susceptible to pesticide-related illness. Children’s behavior, such as playing on the floor or putting objects in their mouths, can also lead to greater pesticide exposures. For these reasons, it is important to consider children separately from adults when setting protective safety standards for pesticide use.
Protecting Children from Pesticides
EPA takes a number of steps to protect children from pesticides. Children can come into contact with pesticides in the home, at school, or by eating foods contaminated with pesticide residues. A variety of approaches are required to protect children from each of these sources. This section is intended to highlight some of these key efforts underway in the region.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that uses current information about the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
IPM can play an important role in protecting children in the home, at school, and by making the food they eat safer. Within Region 9, there are a number of IPM programs targeting agriculture, the home environment, and schools. In addition, there are a number of state laws relating to pesticide applications in or near school property. These pages are intended to provide a brief overview of pesticide application regulations and IPM practices related to schools within the region.
Resources on Children's Health and Pesticides in the Pacific Southwest