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Pesticides: Health and Safety
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Protecting Children

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Pesticide Use in Schools

Use of pesticides in schools is of concern to parents, since it is a place children spend significant time. EPA has eliminated the indoor use of certain pesticides that may pose unacceptable risks to children. In addition, the Agency is working with partners to gather information and provide assistance to schools in managing pests while reducing use of pesticides. For information about this subject, see "Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Schools."

Protecting children from potential effects of pesticides is an important aspect of EPA's program. The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) requires EPA to place particular emphasis on children in making regulatory decisions about pesticides. EPA considers the potential for children to be more sensitive to pesticides than adults, for example. Risk assessments include evaluations for children in various age groups, since children's eating and activity patterns change as they grow up.

EPA's fact sheet, Protecting Children from Pesticides, describes some of EPA's actions to protect children from pesticides. In addition, two publications, Pesticides and Child Safety and Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings around the Home provide practical information for parents on protecting their children from pesticide risks.

One of the most important things parents can do to protect their children is to read and follow label directions whenever using a pesticide. The interactive label will help consumers understand the label components.

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