Indiana’s recommendations for pest control in schools got a warm reception from the nation’s pesticide regulators. On March 8, IKE’s President, Tom Neltner, gave a speech at the national conference on the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials. The recommendations may become a national model!

In related news, the U.S. Senate adopted an amendment to the Affordable Education Act offered by Senator Barbara Boxer of California. Her amendment requires schools to give all parents 48-hour notice before the application of any pesticide that designated by EPA as a known carcinogen, a developmental or reproductive toxin, or an acute nerve toxin. It also directs EPA to distribute its existing booklet which tells schools how to reduce the use of toxic pesticides. The bill must now be heard in the House of Representatives where the amendment is may fail.

Indiana’s approach varies by requiring notice for virtually all pesticide use but only giving the two-school day advanced notice to parents and staff who have asked to be notified.

See IKE's broader effort on pesticides for more details.