Environmental Health In the News

Parents have the right to know when pesticides are sprayed at many private day-care centers under a state law that took effect Monday.

But do they know to ask?

"I don't think I've ever had a parent inquire, and I've been in the business for 30 years," said Debbie Eison, executive director of Creative Child Care Inc. in Stockton, which teaches more than 2,000 students in the county.

Eison said the agency operates several centers and uses pesticides sparingly. She recalled at one site there was construction nearby and pesticides were used for a time to combat a rodent problem.

Pesticides are potentially dangerous to anyone who lives, works or plays where they are applied. But children might be most vulnerable as their bodies grow.

The conservation group Environment California, which sponsored the legislation that led to the new disclosure law, says nearly two-thirds of children up to age 5 receive care from someone other than their parents. And a federal study showed levels of pesticides found in dust were higher at day-care centers than in private homes.

"There are weed problems, there are insect problems, there are rodent problems, and there may be mold and mildew problems" for which chemicals are applied at schools, said Glenn Brank, a spokesman for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

The new law affects about 600 day-care centers statewide but excludes small, in-home family day-care centers.

Among other provisions, notices must be posted in advance of spraying, and day-care centers must keep records of pesticide use for four years. The law follows by five years a similar rule requiring notification of pesticide use at schools.

The state, meanwhile, must promote alternative ways of treating pests, such as caulking cracks to keep ants away, or using bait or soapy water spray, Brank said.

"It requires thoughtfulness and planning, but it does work," he said. "We want people to be careful in their approach to pest management."

Stephen Adams, owner of Problem Solved Pest Control in Stockton, said that when spraying does occur at a school or day-care center, it typically is done at the start of the weekend.

Some San Joaquin County schools have banned pesticides entirely, while others use them only sparingly.

Under the new law, day-care workers also are entitled to learn about pesticide use at their workplaces.

"It's a good idea. Anything that protects children and staff," Eison said.

Contact reporter Alex Breitler at (209) 546-8295 or abreitler@recordnet.com.