In almost all cases this happens without warning or public notification. Pesticides are permitted for use even when there are serious health problems associated with their use.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides.
Due to their behaviors like playing on the ground, and the fact that, pound for pound, they eat, drink and breathe more than adults, they have greater exposures to pesticides than adults. When they are exposed, children's developing systems are less able to cope with the toxic effects of pesticides. There are alternatives for controlling unwanted insects, weeds, and other pests, however. In response to growing concern about the harmful health effects of pesticide exposure, school districts across the country are adopting safer pest management programs that reduce or eliminate pesticide use. The Washington Toxics Coalition is working to make schools safer for children by promoting alternatives to toxic pesticides and encouraging school districts to adopt least-toxic pest control policies.