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Schools and Children's Health
The Problem
Our schools routinely use pesticides in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, on playgrounds and athletic fields. Pesticides also drift into schools from neighboring agriculture and forestry operations.
The Facts
- Many pesticides in use today are known to cause cancer, genetic damage, asthma, birth defects, and more.
- Because they are still developing and growing, children are highly vulnerable to pesticides, and the resulting health impacts can last a lifetime.
- OHSU studies have found that pesticide exposure leads to cognition deficits, and memory and spatial problems; and that they alter brain development at lower doses than previous EPA assesments.
- Since 1990, the Oregon Department of Agriculture documented more than 75 possible pesticide poisonings involving schools and children. Many more go undocumented.
- Pesticides do not stay put—they drift from their original target.
- Seven other states have created no-spray buffer zones around schools.
- Thirteen states require Integrated Pest Management programs in public schools.
- Oregon law establishes no-spray buffer zones for grapes and salmon bearing streams. Yet, no such protection exists for our children!
The Solution
Oregon can protect children by requiring schools and nearby farming and forestry businesses to reduce pesticide use and use safe alternatives.
What OTA is doing
OTA believes children's health should be a priority in all public decisions. We're currently working with the state Senate's Work Group on Pesticides and Health and Oregon's Pesticide Action Work Group to make that happen.
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