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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2002 (02-02)
Media Contact: Glenn Brank, 916/445-3974
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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.schoolipm.info .) 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 48 hours
before and after pesticide applications.) The Web site offers sign templates 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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The IPM Institute
needs YOU!
Join the non-profit Institute and help increase IPM awareness
and adoption!
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