### Potential Health Risks of Herbicides and Pesticides on School Grounds With the arrival of spring, children are spending more time outdoors for activities like soccer games and lunches on the schoolyard grass. However, many schools use various herbicides and pesticides to control pests such as ants and yellow jackets. These chemicals can pose significant health risks to children, who are more vulnerable due to their smaller body mass and developing systems. #### Common Chemicals Used Schools often use a range of chemicals including insecticides, fungicides, rodent baits, and disinfectants. Some commonly used substances are: - **Chlorpyrifos (Dursban)**: An insecticide that can act as a nervous-system poison in large doses. - **Synthetic Pyrethroids (e.g., Cypermethrin)**: Listed by the EPA as possible carcinogens. - **Diazinon**: Frequently used on lawns, can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and in large doses, act as a nervous-system poison. #### Health Risks Exposure to these chemicals can lead to various health issues such as: - **Respiratory Problems**: Including asthma. - **Neurological Issues**: Such as dizziness and headaches. - **Serious Illnesses**: Including childhood leukemias, brain cancers, and aggressive tumors. #### Legislative Action To address these concerns, U.S. senators have introduced the School Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), which aims to create national guidelines for pest management in schools. The bill includes requirements for: - **Least-Toxic Treatments**: Schools must consider non-toxic options like soap and water before using toxic pesticides. - **Parental Notification**: A mandatory 72-hour notice to parents and staff before pesticide application, including details about the chemicals used and their potential adverse effects. #### Conclusion While some schools have set their own standards, there is no overarching authority regulating these substances. The passage of SEPA would be a significant step towards ensuring the safety of schoolchildren across the nation.