Filed Under: Environmental Issues | Westchester | Public Health | Public Health

Westchester County is among the top ten counties in the State for highest pesticide use, according to research by NYPIRG pesticides can cause adverse health effects, the toxicity depending on the degree of exposure, the pesticide type, and the amount of pesticide used. Pesticides such as DDT and chlordane were banned because they were found to adversely affect the development of the brain and nervous system. Many pesticides act as endocrine disrupters by mimicking or blocking natural hormones, confusing the body, and leading it to either produce too much or too little of a certain hormone. School children are especially vulnerable to pesticides because of their developing nervous systems and frequent contact with pesticides at school, parks, and playgrounds.

A 1993 study identified the most frequently used pesticide by schools, chlorpyrifos, as a dangerous insecticide causing memory loss and cognitive slowing in individuals. Other commonly used pesticides were found to induce headaches, nausea, vision problems and convulsions. In response to this study, the NYS Education Department required schools to follow the "least toxic approach to integrated pest management." New York's schools must now aim to reduce, prevent, and phase out pesticide use altogether.

Westchester County opted into the state Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law, over heavy opposition from professional landscapers and chemical industry representatives. The law requires commercial pesticide applicators to notify property owners within 150 feet of the application. In particular, schools and day care centers must notify parents of any pesticide use. Pesticide WarningUnfortunately, homeowners-the most avid users of unsafe pesticides-are not required to notify their neighbors, but only to affix yellow flags warning of a recent application.

The Grassroots Healthy Lawn Program, privately financed but backed by the County Government, reaches out to landscapers, merchants and property owners, familiarizing them with available pesticide alternatives and pushing for their greater acceptance and use. Professionals offer free training; schools, libraries and homeowner associations are encouraged to host programs and displays. The Program started in 2004 and more information is available at http://ghlp.org/

What you can do:

1. Use the least toxic or nontoxic products for treating your lawn. For more information on alternatives check http://www.grassrootsinfo.org/
    

2. Make sure your school complies with the New York State Neighbor Notification Law, which requires every school to establish a pesticide notification registry for advance notification of any school pesticide application and to provide universal notification to all parents summarizing all school pesticide use. Application must be made by parents to receive the pesticide notice. Parents can also work with schools to implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for non-toxic alternatives. For more information, go to http://www.healthyschools.org/
    

3. Be aware that pesticides are in many products. Try to avoid purchasing products that contain them. These can include: swimming pool chemicals, soap (antimicrobials), paints, wallpaper (fungicides), shelving paper, and mothballs. There are even pesticides in the "edible" waxes on fruits and vegetables. You can find more about hidden pesticides at http://www.checnet.org/
    

4. Protect your child from mosquitoes and ticks by having them wear long sleeves and pants at hours that mosquitoes bite and in grassy areas and woods. It is important to follow safety precautions when using insecticides with DEET in children. Do not use DEET on the hands of young children; avoid applying to areas around the eyes and mouth. Avoid spraying in enclosed areas and near food. Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. DEET products are not recommended for children under 2 months. There are plant based less toxic repellants but some studies show them to be markedly less effective.
    

5. Check if chemical treatments are being used for weed or insect control at the fields where your child plays sports. Request that recreational directors in charge of community athletic fields implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan with stated yearly goals of pesticide reduction and use of least toxic pesticides.

Parties Involved: (contact information in chapter 7)

US Government
Environmental Protection Agency

New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of State, Governor, Legislature

Westchester County
Board of Legislators, County Executive, Department of Environmental Facilities, Health Department

Nongovernmental Agencies
The Westchester County League of Women Voters offers a guide called "How to Have a Beautiful Garden Without Treating Your Health Like Dirt." For a copy, call LWV at 914-949-0507. Grassroots Healthy Lawn Program