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IPM
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USAG-Japan, Camp Zama Child and Youth Services
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August 21 , 2008 USAG-Japan, Camp Zama Child and Youth Services has earned IPM STAR certification after passing a rigorous, 48-point inspection of facilities used for childcare and after-school services . IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, a common sense approach to reducing pest problems. Pesticides are rarely used, and when they are, every effort is made to choose a safe “least-toxic” option. Since beginning its IPM program, USAG-Japan has eliminated all “Danger” and “Warning” label products from its inventory, and pesticide access is tightly controlled to avoid contamination. Parents are also notified when pesticides are used in school facilities. All families are aware of the IPM Policy, and have the option to be notified 48 hours in advance before any pesticides are used. To reduce the risk of exposure, notifications are also posted 48 hours in advance at the application site and remain there for at least 24 hours prior to the application. Another important facet of USAG-Japan's IPM program is staff involvement. All school directors and staff have been trained in IPM, and all new staff is trained as soon as they are hired. An IPM committee also meets quarterly to review and evaluate the IPM plan and identify opportunities for improvement. Mr. Tsuyoshi Nagahara serves as USAG-Japan's IPM Coordinator, and he oversees the day-to-day program operations. IPM Star is a program developed by Dr. Thomas Green, President of the IPM Institute of North America, a national independent non-profit organization, with support from USDA and US EPA. IPM STAR is the only IPM accreditation program available to schools and childcare/youth services facilities that uses a rigorous, on-site evaluation of policies, practices and conditions to verify a high standard for IPM. More than 2 million children have benefited from reductions in pest problems and pesticide use under IPM STAR since 2003. - Prepared as part of the IPM STAR Certification Process by the IPM Institute of North America for posting on its website with permission from USAG-Japan. |
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