Dr. Mercola August 16 2007 14,472 views
More than 80 percent of schools in America use toxic pesticides as a preventative measure, whether it‘s needed or not. Mark Lame, an entomologist and professor at Indiana University‘s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, believes this is an entirely unnecessary practice that carries more risks than benefits to students and faculty.The most widely used pesticides are, in fact, nerve poisons. They cause uncontrolled nerve firing, and disrupt the delicate hormone systems. The link between pesticide exposure and health problems in children is already well established. Research has connected these endocrine-disrupting pesticides to health problems such as ADHD, autism, and infertility -- all of which are on the rise.Professor Lame says pest problems are better managed through an integrated approach -- by preventing the conditions that attract pests into school facilities in the first place.Lame serves as a consultant for schools around the country, helping them reduce the toxic load by implementing his Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process.Science Daily July 21, 2007
Even though schools believe they are doing the right thing by eliminating bugs and pests from the premises, they are actually putting children at serious risk for long-term damage.
The United states uses about 888 million pounds of pesticides and herbicides each year. That’s the equivalent of three pounds of toxins for every man, woman and child, and the current pesticide load on your body is surely taking its toll.
Among the many problems they cause include:
Neurological Damage in Children is a Growing Problem
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BROWN RECLUSE, I DON'T THINK MY DAUGHTER HAS EVER BEEN SICK WITH THE PRESENCE OF MOSQUITOS, ANTS, COCKROACHES, ETC.
I DO FEEL THAT THE PESTICIDES THAT ARE USED IN THE SCHOOLS WILL MAKE HER SICK.
SO SAD.
OF COURSE IF I WERE TO SAY ANYTHING TO THE SCHOOL.... TO THE OBESE, UNHAPPY, WRINKLED, CIGARETTE SMOKING, DIET COKE DRINKING, USE THE WALGREENS DRIVE-THRU REGULARLY EMPLOYEES OF HER SCHOOL, THEY WOULD LOOK AT ME LIKE I WAS CRAZY.
I feel the same way Samurai, here in the East coast I'm considered weird because I enforce the ‘we-don't-eat-junk-food’ law on my kids. Let alone to try to find support from the school PTA on the argument that pesticides cause neurological damage, they will never take that seriously. I'm dealing with mothers that take great proud on the doughnut-soda or cupcake-soda combo they regularly bring to the classrooms.
If you are on the East coast and are planning on presenting your concerns to your local school, please be prepared for the face :0
ALLGREEN,
MY SITUATION IS WORSE: OBESE PEOPLE WHO FEEL THAT IT IS THE NEXT PILL, OR "ALLI" OR JUICE OR WITCH DOCTOR THAT WILL MAKE THEM SKINNY.
I AM IN DALLAS, TEXAS.
Sadly, pesticides are the least of your worries today in public schools. I have used both homeschool and public school and my last child only went to public school 2 years and will not go back. ( he is 15 now, and very bright.)
Have faith in yourself, you are the best teacher for your child. There is a lot of help out there for homeschoolers these days. Look in your area for an association and jump in , the water is fine!
Donna2: "how can we care more about trees than our own grandchildren?"
Well, gosh, if there aren't any trees left your granchildren won't have an environment capable of supporting life. If no people were around, the trees would do just fine. Hmmmm... I'd say your grandchildren need these trees you don't care about to survive.
BTW. I don't put one life form above another just because it more closely resembles a human. A 2000 year old Sequoia is a venerable being on this little Blue Planet.