Pesticides play an important role in food supply protection and disease
control, but they can also be harmful to human health. The term pesticide
applies to insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, disinfectants and various
other substances used to control pests. Pesticides are often applied at
schools to maintain sanitary conditions and suppress rodents and insect
populations. Exposures and potential health effects to children and school
staff can be reduced by avoiding routine pesticide applications through an
integrated pest management (IPM) program.
IPM is an alternative pest-control technique that manages and suppresses
pests by preventing their access to food, water and shelter. These
strategies can be more cost-efficient than traditional pest control
options. 1 Using IPM at schools can reduce
pesticide exposures of workers and students.
Pesticide exposure at schools
Exposure to pesticides at schools has been associated with illnesses
among employees and students, although infrequently. Rates of illness from
pesticide exposure at schools have been shown to be higher in school staff
than in children because staff members are more likely to handle
pesticides.2 However, children may be
particularly susceptible to pesticide toxicity because many of their organ
systems have not reached developmental maturity.3
Exposures to pesticides can produce cough, shortness of breath, nausea,
vomiting, headaches, and eye irritation.2 There is also mounting evidence
that long-term pesticide exposure in adults is associated with chronic
health effects such as cancer, neurologic problems and reproductive
problems.4,5
IPM can be useful to promote a safe learning environment
A multifaceted approach needed to manage and suppress pests
Although pesticides temporarily control pest populations, pests often
return to the same location because food, water and shelter are still
available. Consequently, additional actions are necessary to control pests
in settings such as schools, workplaces, and homes. A multifaceted
approach, such as an IPM program, is essential to effectively manage and
suppress pests in any environment.
Recommendations for reducing pesticide exposure at schools
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest-control alternative to
routine pesticide use. IPM emphasizes several elements to successfully
manage and suppress pests from an environment without relying on the
regular use of chemicals. The use of IPM reduces the use of pesticides at
schools compared to traditional pest-control options. To implement IPM at
your school, you can start by developing a written policy and procedural
guidelines for school pest management.6 This
policy, accompanied by its procedural guidelines, should incorporate the
following 8 IPM steps:
-
Appoint a pest manager
- The pest manager should be a knowledgeable person or company
competent to carry out pest management duties, such as a member of
the custodial staff, a company contracted to perform pest management
at the school, or another appropriate person. Please see the box below for more information on how to
choose a pest manager.
-
Monitor for pest problems
- The pest manager should routinely inspect the building, including
entrances, food/water storage sites and restrooms for pest
activity.
- The pest manager should respond to any pest complaints reported
by students, staff, parents and others.
-
Identify the nature of any pest problems
- The pest manager should find the origin of a pest problem (for
example, food crumbs, cracks in walls) and identify the type of
pest.
-
Eliminate the source(s) of the problems without
using pesticides
- The pest manager should modify the habitat by using methods such
as repairing cracks and crevices, sealing doors, moving trash
receptacles away from the building and ensuring sanitary
conditions.
-
If nontoxic methods fail or are impractical use
pesticides following these principles:
- Use the least toxic pesticide that is effective and approved
application techniques that minimize exposure (try to avoid using
pesticides labeled "Warning" or "Danger").
- Only trained and qualified workers should handle and apply
pesticides. Read and follow the directions on the pesticide
container. Ensure the pesticide applicator uses the appropriate
personal protective equipment.
-
Keep accurate records to document and evaluate the
effectiveness of the IPM program
- Record the types of pests detected before and after any type of
action or pesticide treatment.
- Document measures taken to control the pest(s).
-
Educate the school community about pesticides and
IPM
- Involve and educate stakeholders, including administration,
instructional and support staff, parents and students.
- Distribute the school's pest-control management policy to school
stakeholders periodically, for example, by including it in parent
handbooks and teacher's manuals.
- Educate students and teachers on how their behavior contributes
to pest problems (food in classrooms/cubbies, gum under desks, paper
clutter, etc.).
- Involve students and staff in pest monitoring activities. A
school employee should always be present to watch over all IPM
service provider visits.
-
Notify and provide reentry recommendations when
pesticides are used
- Consider providing written notification of any upcoming pesticide
application to all students, parents and staff. †
At least 19 states have laws that require schools to provide some
type of written notification before a pesticide application. 7 Many
of these states require that notification be made at least 24 hours
before an application.
- Specify the type of pesticide to be used, if possible. The pest
manager should be available to provide more specific information on
the pesticide.
- Post notices around the perimeter of the application area and
leave these notices in place for 48 hours after the application.
- Avoid spraying pesticides when children and staff are present.
Pesticides shouldn't be sprayed during school hours or when school
activities are taking place. Applications on Friday evenings are
ideal if no weekend school activities are scheduled.
- Restrict staff and students' access to the treated area until the
pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the pesticide
label.
For more information on Integrated Pest Management
The following are some Web sites that provide detailed information
regarding pesticides, IPM, examples of model IPM programs, and further IPM
resources for school officials and other interested parties.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools:
Protecting Children in Schools from Pests and Pesticides
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm
General information on IPM programs in schools
California School Integrated Pest Management
Program
http://www.schoolipm.info/
Comprehensive school IPM Web site that provides documents, links and other
resources
The IPM Institute of North America, Inc.
http://www.ipminstitute.org/
Provides general information on IPM in schools and IPM STAR
Certification
IFAS at the University of Florida: National School
IPM Information Source
http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/
Provides specific information for parents, administrators, faculty and
staff, and pest managers
National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health: Pesticide Illness & Injury Surveillance
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pesticides/
General information on pesticide illnesses and surveillance in the United
States
References
- EPA [2006]. Integrated pest management (IPM) in
schools. Washington, D.C.: United States Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm/.
- Alarcon WA, Calvert GM, Blondell JM, et al [2005].
Acute illnesses associated with pesticide exposures at schools. JAMA
294(4): 455-465.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/294/4/455
- National Research Council [1993]. Pesticides in the
diets of infants and children. Washington, DC: National Academy
Press.
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=2126#toc
- Alavanja MC, Hoppin HA, Kamel F [2004]. Health
effects of chronic pesticide exposure: Cancer and neurotoxicity. Ann Rev
Pub Hlth 25: 155-197.
http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.25.101802.123020
- Garcia, AM [2003]. Pesticide exposure and women's
health. Am J Ind Med 44: 584-594.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/106564991/ABSTRACT
- EPA [2006]. Pest control in the school environment:
Adopting integrated pest management. Washington, D.C.: United States
Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm/brochure/
- NASBE [2007]. State by state pesticide use.
Alexandria, VA: National Association of State Boards of Education
http://www.nasbe.org/HealthySchools/States/Topics.asp?Category=C&Topic=7
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