Informed Green Solutions

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management for Schools and Child Care Centers

Pesticides are routinely used in our schools and childcare centers, many times by personnel who are not registered pesticide applicators. There is little oversight of pesticide applications for these facilities in many states, but there is concern from a growing number of medical professionals, researchers, parents and federal and state agencies about the effects of exposing children to pesticides.

Peer reviewed studies tell us that exposure to pesticides is linked to birth defects, cancer, asthma and neurological and developmental effects. Children are much more susceptible to the effects of these chemicals because their bodies are still developing.

How can we protect our children in their schools and childcare centers? Educate decision makers about the hazards of pesticides and how to implement a pest control program that uses pesticides as a last resort. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a type of control recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health as well as scientists and advocates across the nation.

Dawn H. Gouge, urban entomologist with the University Arizona and co-editor of the Pest Management Strategic Plan for IPM commented, "Schools adopting IPM improve the learning environment of their students. With this come significant health benefits and the potential for higher academic achievement. School staff and faculty report cleaner, better maintained facilities and better communication within the school community."

Integrated Pest Management 
(IPM) for Child Care Centers

Integrated pest management is a management system that:
  1. eliminates or mitigates economic and health damage caused by pests;
  2. minimizes the use of pesticides and the risk to human health and the environment associated with pesticide applications; and,
  3. uses integrated methods, site or pest inspections, pest population monitoring, an evaluation of the need for pest control, and one or more pest control methods, including sanitation, structural repairs, mechanical and living biological controls, other non-chemical methods, and, if nontoxic options are unreasonable and have been exhausted, least toxic pesticides.
Information on IPM is available from a variety of sources. Specifically the following websites contain excellent information:
The California Childcare Health Program has released a training module with fact sheets for IPM in child care. Available at: http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org
The IPM Institute has compiled fact sheets, training materials, power point presentations and more for schools, homes and other facilities. Available at: http://www.ipminstitute.org/school_ipm_2015/resources.htm
The US Environmental Protection Agency Healthy Child Care website. Available at: http://epa.gov/childcare/
Some simple steps to improving air quality in your child care center: 
  • Enroll in the Eco-Healthy Child Care Program
  • Adopt a less-toxic cleaning products policy
  • Implement an Integrated Pest Management policy
  • Purchase only less-toxic art supplies, furnishings, toys and playground equipment
  • Prohibit vehicle idling around the center
  • Test your center for radon and lead
  • Know proper handling procedures for light-fixtures, thermometers, batteries or other products containing mercury
  • Educate your staff about these and other environmental health issues
  • Green Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting: Toolkit for Early Care and Education
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Resources:

Informed Green Solutions is a member of the Northeast School IPM Work Group. Visit their website for for practical how-to information on controlling pests in schools and child care programs. 
Learn More
Websites for information and studies on children and pesticides:

EPA Integrated Pest Management Webinars

Integrated Pest Management:

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