This image is a real one that often has negative effects, and we'll zoom in for a closer look at the problem on today's EnvironMinute. An estimated 80,000 U.S. children were exposed to or poisoned by household pesticides in 1993, according to the American Poison Control Centers. Such incidents often happen because in many households, pesticide products are improperly stored in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where curious children can get at them. In fact, an EPA survey revealed that almost half of all households with children under five had at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet.
Pesticides are useful in controlling household pests, but they can also be very dangerous.
The EnvironMinute is produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council and made possible by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation.