Pesticide Alternatives for Safer Schools Project (PASS)

             The goal of the PASS project is to advocate for children’s’ health by encouraging Ohio school systems to adopt the safer pest control policies of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a program of prevention, monitoring and control which eliminates or drastically reduces the use of toxic pesticides.

 About OCAMP:  Since 1985, OCAMP has been the only organization in Ohio that focuses exclusively on pesticide issues. OCAMP’s mission is to demonstrate the real and potential human health consequences posed by pesticides to elected and appointed officials and other members of the public especially parents. OCAMP seeks to protect the public, in particular the most vulnerable (children and the chemically sensitive), by promoting safe and effective alternatives to the use of toxic chemicals.

 About Beyond Pesticides:  Beyond Pesticides was established in 1981 and was formerly the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP). It works with allies to shift public attitudes, empower action oriented strategies and institutionalize changes in policies that protect public health and the environment.

 Why Children are at special risk:

·                    “Even a small exposure to pesticides during a critical ‘window’ of a child’s development could cause permanent adverse health effects.” [1]

·                    Children’s immature organs and developing bodies make it more difficult for them to detoxify poisons.

·                    Several pesticides can exacerbate asthma symptoms [2] and some have been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). [3] Because many symptoms of pesticide poisoning are common in children, from respiratory problems to concentration difficulties, pesticide related illnesses often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. [4]

·                    Recent studies have liked pesticide use in the home and garden to several forms of childhood leukemia and brain cancer. [5]

And Teachers Too . . .

Adverse health effects from pesticides may include nausea, dizziness, respiratory problems, headaches, and rashes, even when a pesticide is used according to directions. [6]

The vulnerability of children to harmful effects of pesticides has attracted national attention. The EPA, the National Academy of Science, the American Public Health Association and the National Parents and Teachers Association have all voiced concern about the dangers of pesticides.

 To become part of the PASS project please contact OCAMP at 440-442-1818, or email us at ocamp@multiverse.com.