More subtle problems emerge as well. New data show that fetal exposure to pesticides and industrial contaminants can undermine mental ability, analogous, perhaps, to the well known effects of mercury and lead. This new insight may open a new chapter in the battle against major childhood diseases, including malaria and gastrointestinal disorders, collectively some of the biggest killers of children around the world. Thus while much progress has been made concerning the health of kids, many challenges remain. The Foundation has chosen to focus on one in particular, how pesticides undermine children's future.
Practical solutions are available now to decrease many of the risks created by pesticides.
These include alternatives to pesticides, reduction in intensity and better education. Pesticide application in schools, for example, often fails to follow even common sense procedures. Above all, public education should emphasize that pesticides need to be respected for what they are, chemical agents designed to have biological activity. None are safe.