Schools Say No to Pesticides

MARYLAND HAS BECOME the first state in the nation to pass a law that requires public schools to limit their use of pesticides. The law calls for pesticides to be used only when "nontoxic options are unreasonable or have been exhausted." And when it is necessary to use toxic pesticides, school officials must notify students, parents, and employees 24 hours in advance. This notification will include information about the potential adverse effects of exposure. Parents can then decide for themselves whether or not the risks of pesticide exposure are acceptable and can choose to keep their children home from school.

The schools must completely comply with the new legislation by the 1999-2000 school year. Between now and then, however, administrators are required to make a concerted effort to abide by the new rules.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Weider Publications
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