These studies are performed on laboratory rats, rabbits, and sometimes guinea pigs. LD50 values are used to rate the toxicity of the pesticides. The LD50 values for pesticides are developed using healthy adult animals. Recent studies have also shown that a growing fetus is far more susceptible to pesticide damage than previously thought. Since pesticides are now touted as a panacea for everything from fleas to weeds, they can be found everywhere.
Schools spray on a weekly basis in cafeterias, and almost as frequently in other school areas.
Public buildings usually have a maintenance contract with a pesticide contractor. Lawns are ChemLawned, TruGreened, and zapped with RoundUp everywhere from parks to golf courses to homes. Therefore, the underlying message here is a very profound one. Persons with chronic illnesses, children and the elderly are disposable commodities insofar as our government and the chemical companies are concerned. Recent research has also shown that women, because of their much higher estrogen production, are far more susceptible to the ravages of pesticides than men.