Our children deserve a safe. through Janet Hurley, MPA. Integrated Extension Program Specialist II. Pest Texas AgriLife Extension Service

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Aleesha Kelly Walton
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1 Our children deserve a safe learning environment through Janet Hurley, MPA Integrated Extension Program Specialist II Pest Texas AgriLife Extension Service Management School IPM Program

2 Did you know? Up p to 1 in 4 children in cities have asthma (6% nationally). Cockroaches, dust mites, pesticides are prime causes/triggers. Childhood asthma treatment costs $3.2 billion per year! * Centers for Disease Control New York City childhood asthma hospitalization rates are 3 to 4 times the national average * NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

3 Ath Asthma in Texas According to the Texas Asthma Call Back Survey, over 30% of children with current asthma who had attended school within the past 12 months missed greater than or equal to 5 days of school due to asthma related issues. Less than half of children with asthma who attended school had a written asthma action plan or asthma management plan on file at their school. SOURCE: Texas Asthma Control Program, Texas Department of State Health Services Jan. 2011

4 Basic Facts 96% % of fish and 100% of surface water and 33% of major aquifers contain one or more pesticides.* * US Geological Survey 2006, compiled studies As adults, our children may have an average of 91 chemical contaminants in their bodies, fully one-fifth of which are pesticide-related, and including known carcinogens, neurotoxins, reproductive toxins or endocrine disruptors.** ** Based on 2002 sampling by Environmental Working Group, Commonweal, Mt. Sinai School of Community Medicine; CDC; 2003

5 TX School IPM Law Each school district will: Adopt an IPM Program Designate an IPM Coordinator (s) Only use license pesticide applicators Post indoor applications 48 hours in advance Post outdoor application at time of treatment and keep posted until specified reentry is met.

6 TX School IPM Rules The School IPM Program must contain these elements: A school board adopted policy see HISD Policy CLB(local) and CLB(legal). Monitoring program to determine when pests are present and to justify corrective action. Preferential use of lower risk pesticides id and the use of non-chemical control measures. A system for keeping records. Plan to educate and inform school employees about their role in the program. Written guidelines that identify thresholds.

7 It s just pest control. Right?

8 Why Care? Cockroaches and indoor mold can cause asthma. Mice and rats are the most common pest problems in schools and homes. Airborne pollutants such as pesticides, molds, and insect allergens are more harmful to children than adults.

9 Integrated Pest Management IPM is about controlling the sources of roaches, rats, ants, bats, birds, weeds and more. IPM is mandatory in Texas Public Schools IPM is students, teachers and staff working together. It is a way to think and react to everyday actions - not just pest control. The goal is to maintain the school building so it offers a safe environment for everyone.

10 IPM The effective solution IPM is a strategy t using multiple l control tactics ti to ensure that: First Steps such as pest proofing, sanitation and clutter control are acceptable environmental modifications. Pest populations are managed at acceptable levels. Risks are minimized to people, other non-target organisms and the environment. The pest control program is practical and economical.

11 How is IPM different? A delicate balance exists between pests & pesticides. IPM focuses on safe and effective ways to control pests. Multiple tactics in IPM are proven most effective. Routine inspections & monitoring are essential routine spraying is not essential. Thresholds monitoring ensures that pesticides are used only when necessary.

12 Have you seen this classroom in your school?

13 Common Pests in Schools Cockroaches: Skin fragments and feces are the most common cause of asthma in urban youth. Ants: Fire ant stings cause several human deaths per year. Rodents: Deadly hantavirus is transmitted by rodent urine and feces.

14 Other pests Bats: can carry rabies, guano can trigger asthma. Bees/Wasps: Harmful stings, honey combs can build up in walls and bring secondary pests. Spiders: Bites, cobwebs and the ick factor.

15 You can control pests: Limit it food and drink to small amounts and don t leave open food out ever. Pick up after yourself. Don t litter RECYCLE! Remind students to pick up after themselves. Report it, when noticing a pest problem! Sometimes hear odd sounds? Report them! In your area keep clutter to a minimum, so windows and exterior walls can be inspected periodically. Also remember: Ants are not your friends.

16 Thank You This presentation is brought to you by: Texas AgriLife Extension Service School IPM Program and

B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Bringing Reduction and Education of Asthma Triggers to the Home Environment

B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Bringing Reduction and Education of Asthma Triggers to the Home Environment A collaborative project of HDHHS and the EPA Bureau of Community and Children s Environmental Health Acknowledgements