PESTICIDES AND SCHOOLS

Resolution 115-04

Author: Robert M. Gould, MD

Adopted: March 13, 2004

Whereas, The California Medical Association in 1999 (CMA Resolution 166-99) called for statewide implementation of least-toxic school pest management programs, with such programs precluding the use of highly toxic pesticides; and,

Whereas, A 2002 survey of California’s 15 largest school districts found extensive use of highly toxic pesticides, with 67 percent of the surveyed schools planning to use pesticides that are probable or known human carcinogens (classified based on lists from EPA, IARC, US National Toxicology Program, and California Proposition 65), and 87 percent planning to use developmental and reproductive toxins (classified under Proposition 65); and,

Whereas, Many school districts are effectively controlling pests without highly toxic pesticides through implementation of strong Integrated Pest Management programs; and,

Whereas, The California Healthy Schools Act of 2000 (AB 2260, Shelley), appropriately supported by CMA as health-protective legislation, does not prohibit the use of highly toxic pesticides in least-toxic school pest management programs; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the CMA support efforts to strengthen health protection of students, teachers, and other school employees in California schools through adequately funded and implemented least-toxic school pest management programs, that strictly prohibit the school use of highly toxic pesticides, including: those listed by the EPA as Toxicity Categories 1 and 2; probable and known carcinogens; those listed under California Proposition 65 as carcinogens or reproductive/developmental toxics; and, pesticides which are highly toxic to the human nervous system, such as organophosphates and carbamates.