Since they have not been exposed to much, reactions can be more severe than with adults. Ants can transmit staph and strep infections, and rodents can transmit Hantavirus, a deadly respiratory infection. Asthma affects 13 million Americans and is the most common cause for hospitalization and school absences among children. The public doesn't have a very good grasp of the relationship between the dose of a toxic substance and its risk in human beings . . . The good news is that we can put a stop to some of these problems.
Pest control is a matter of education, personal protection, sanitation and elimination.
Dr. Jerome Goddard, clinical assistant professor of preventive medicine, University of Mississippi Medical School Public concern about the health and environmental risks associated with pesticides is increasing, particularly when children are involved. This has resulted in increased interest in the use of equally effective alternative pest control methods. Management of pests requires an organized plan and often more than one tool or tactic. While pesticides are no panacea, when used responsibly and with discretion, they are invaluable tools in the fight against pests. Pesticides are important public health tools in destroying health threats.