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Schools Implement Pesticide 'Right to Know' Act

by Erika Schreder, WA Toxics Coalition

In a big win for anti-pesticide activists, schools this year beganimplementing the Children's Pesticide Right to Know Act that requiresschool districts to provide annual notices describing that schoolspest-control policies and methods, post notices when pesticides areused and notify parents, guardians and staff before applications.

"This bill ensures that parents know when their children will beexposed to pesticides," said Sen.Tracey Eide, the bill's sponsor. "Inthe past, many parents simply didn't know when these chemicals, whichcan be very harmful to children, were being used. Now, parents will befully notified in advance so they can make informed decisions."

Key elements of the law are as follows: Signs will be posted wheneverpesticides are used at schools, indoors and outdoors. Signs will beposted 48 hours before pesticide use. School districts must notify theparents who request it 48 hours before pesticide use. School districtsmust keep records of all pesticide applications.

"This new law gives parents important tools for making sure theirchild's environment is healthy," said Lisa Bond, President of theWashington State PTA. "Once parents know what pesticides are used inschools, they can work for a switch to safer alternatives. Weencourage all parents to request notice before pesticides are appliedat their child's school." Some school districts already notify parentswhen pesticides are used. These include Vancouver, Oak Harbor,Sedro-Woolley, Mercer Island and Chewelah.

For more information call Washington Toxics Coalition, 206-632-1545x19.