What are the dangers to children?
A. Based on documented incidents, children and school staff have commonly experienced difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, dizziness, eye irritation, headaches, nausea, skin irritation, rashes, and sore throat after exposure to dangerous chemicals at school. Pesticides are suspected to have caused or been a factor in cases of neurological damage and even death. Studies show that children living in households where pesticides are used suffer elevated rates of leukemia and brain cancer. The National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides has compiled scientific reports showing that, of 48 commonly-used pesticides in schools, 22 are probable or possible carcinogens, 26 have been shown to cause reproductive effects, 31 damage the nervous system, 31 injure the liver or kidneys, 41 are irritants, and 16 can cause birth defects.
