Pesticides & Toxins in the Classroom

While pesticides are an effective method for getting rid of crop-destroying bugs and fungi, they’re now recognized as harmful pollutant to water, soil and air—and a major toxic threat to young children everywhere.

From soccer fields to school playgrounds to classrooms, children are more vulnerable to pesticides than any other age group. Even low levels of chemicals are dangerous to children because of their developing organs and high metabolisms.

In addition to developmental and neurological problems, EarthShare member organization Beyond Pesticides has noted that exposure to pesticides is linked to other harmful and lasting health problems, including:

• Asthma
• Attention deficit and hyperactivity
• Autism
• Breast cancer (in preadolescents)
• Diabetes
• Leukemia
• Obesity
• Organ defects (in fetuses)

But giving up pesticides and herbicides doesn’t mean you have to let bothersome bugs crawl back into your lawn, garden or playground. Beyond Pesticides has a comprehensive list of safe, organic pest control alternatives that will keep shared areas free of everything from wasps to weeds. Many schools across the country also now practice Integrated Pest Management, an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices

Children spend nearly half of their waking hours at school or playing outside. It’s for that reason that EarthShare, along with our member organizations, is working to build awareness and safe practices that will promote healthy schools, homes and parks for kids—and we hope you’ll join us.

Take a look at our updated resources to learn more about pesticide prevention, and consider supporting the organizations committed to eradicating these toxins through an individual donation, or by setting up a workplace giving campaign. Together we can make a difference.

• Pesticides database, PANNA
• Pesticide fact sheets, Northwestern Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• Pesticide studies, Northwestern Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• Toxins by chemical name, Beyond Pesticides

• Childproofing communities, Center for Health, Environment & Justice
• Protecting children from environmental risks, National Resources Defense Council
• School pesticide use, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• State pesticide policies, Beyond Pesticides

• Do-it-yourself pest control, Beyond Pesticides
• Find a service provider, Beyond Pesticides

• Golf course management, Beyond Pesticides
• Lawn care, Beyond Pesticides
• Organic food, Beyond Pesticides
• West Nile and mosquito management, Beyond Pesticides
• Wood preservatives, Beyond Pesticides

• Tips for taking community action, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Environmental Protection Agency
• Report pesticide use, Northwestern Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• Check out our Pesticide Public Service Ad