| Media Contact: Glenn Brank 916/445-3974 | January 18, 2002
(02-02) |
DPR upgrades school IPM on the Web
SACRAMENTO -- There's a new, virtual library open "24/7" to help schools manage their pest problems -- and avoid the need for toxic chemicals.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has launched a new version of its School IPM Program Web site. IPM -- integrated pest management -- promotes strategies based on prevention and least-toxic solutions. (Go to <www.cdpr.ca.gov> and click on "School IPM", or bookmark <www.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/> .) The site features a wealth of IPM resources.
"We want IPM to work for every California classroom, cafeteria, and school playground," said DPR Director Paul E. Helliker. "Schools are very sensitive environments. Poor sanitation may attract rodents, roaches, and other pests that threaten children's health. At the same time, using strong pesticides on school property may raise other concerns," said Helliker.
"A comprehensive IPM program can minimize pest problems, reduce the use of highly-toxic pesticides, and help protect kids at school," he said.
DPR began expanding its school IPM program under Governor Davis' Children's Health Initiative. The Healthy Schools Act of 2000 (AB 2260, Shelley) complemented those efforts and added some mandates. DPR's school IPM Web site goes beyond the legal requirements, offering reader-friendly tips and sample documents for parents, school officials, and their communities.
For example, one Web page discusses voluntary and mandatory aspects of the Healthy Schools Act. While public school IPM programs are voluntary, the law includes some mandatory right-to-know provisions. (Schools must advise parents of prospective pesticide use at the start of the school year. Parents then may request a notice before each pesticide application.) Sample letters are posted online so schools and parents can easily understand their rights and responsibilities.
Some pesticides are exempt from the law's requirements. The new Web site includes a step-by-step checklist to help school officials determine when pesticide use must be reported and warning signs posted. (The law requires schools to post warning signs for 24 hours before and 72 hours after pesticide applications.) The Web site offers a sign template to help schools comply.
Since different aspects of school IPM may interest parents, teachers, administrators, custodians, and others, DPR provided separate home pages for these users, conveniently listed on the right-hand side of the main Web page. The left-hand side of the page is organized by subject. "Bread crumbs" on each Web page help users retrace their steps.
DPR's School IPM Web site also offers scores of links and online reference tools. For example, users may link to DPR's own pesticide databases, which catalog California-registered pesticides by active ingredient, product name, and other criteria. For toxicology data, users may link to the Extension Toxicology Network (Extoxnet), a university-supported database that describes pesticide health effects.
One of six departments and boards within the California Environmental Protection Agency, DPR regulates the sale and use of pesticides to protect people and the environment.
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