IPM is an alternative to toxic chemicals used to control pests, weeds, vermin, insects etc., with methods and protocols that are safer for humans, animals, wildlife and the environment.
“IPM has been implemented throughout the country in schools, medical facilities, public and government buildings and parks with excellent results. As the public becomes more aware of the serious health risks associated with pesticides, IPM will replace the more toxic products that are currently being used,” said Dr. Jack D. Thrasher, Ph.D., Toxicologist, Immuno-toxicologist, Fetal-toxicologist and Technical Director for the NTEF.
The CCSD is the fifth largest school district in the country.
In an effort to be proactive in finding the safest and most effective products for grounds, landscaping and pest control, the CCSD will be initiating a pilot IPM program in six schools throughout the district. There will be two elementary, two middle and two senior high schools. “This program will run from November 3, 2008 continuing until April 30, 2009,” according to Alida “Dollye” Maestas, Director, Operations Department of the Clark County School District.
This collaboration was the result of the meeting between the NTEF and the CCSD this year, in an effort to reduce unnecessary chemical exposures to both students and school district personnel.
After reviewing the current products under use at CCSD (pesticides, herbicides, cleaning, etc.), NTEF made suggestions regarding the replacement of potentially toxic products. For example, “The three major concerns which were voiced referenced Round-Up, Cynoff ED and Demand CS. These three pesticides along with some others were chosen to be replaced with safer and more natural products for the pilot IPM program at CCSD,” said Thrasher.
“While the chemicals used are legal and approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, advocates point to studies that show that 25 of the most commonly used pesticides have links to cancer, birth defects and neurological problems.” [1]
“We live in a society where unfortunately the regulation of toxic chemicals has not kept pace with the science,” said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides.”
“We will be looking at the reports and comparisons after the trial period and are confident of a district wide conversion to IPM. The comparisons that we are concerned with, are the number of health complaints and absenteeism for the week after the applications,”
For those electing to reduce exposures to pesticides and chemicals, the NTEF provides personalized assessment, evaluation for toxicity and recommendations for a safer environment and healthier life.
[1] Brewington, K. “13 Maryland health facilities to stop using pesticides.”
