Since children spend a great deal of time at school, it is critical to create a healthy school environment by minimizing exposures to pesticides. Most school districts in Washington state, however, regularly use pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and other pest control chemicals. Most parents don't know that this pesticide use is occurring, because very few districts notify parents. Current law requires only that certified pesticide applicators place a small marker at the time of application and only when the application is outdoors. Parents, students, and staff receive no advance notification, and the markers do not include information such as the name of the pesticide or a caution statement.
Current law requires no posting at all when pesticides are used indoors.
Providing advance notification before pesticide use is an important first step in addressing the problem of pesticide use in schools. Parents, students, and staff have a right to know when an application of pesticides is going to take place. If they are notified, they can make the choice to avoid the exposure. The Washington State Legislature is currently considering legislation to provide information to parents about pesticide use in schools. Senate Bill 5533 has been passed by the Senate, and on March 29, the House Agriculture and Ecology Committee passed it with strengthening amendments.