Say "NO" to pesticide applications near Kern County's schools
"I know that pesticides are very dangerous for my son. Not only to his health, but they can also can affect my son’s capacity to learn. In Kern county we have a lot of schools near agricultural operations. That's why I'm asking for your support to get the proposed buffer zones approved. We need to ensure our children are in safe schools in which their health is protected and they are not affected by pesticides. That way my son and other children can have a clean environment in which they can learn and have a really healthy and successful future." --Hector Garcia, Parent
Approximately 90% of pesticides used in California drift away from their intended targets. Instead they can easily reach nearby homes, schools and businesses. Long-term exposure to pesticides can also cause cancer, reproductive harm and respiratory or nervous system damage. In addition, pesticide exposure can cause immediate poisonings to people close by.
Children are more at risk of adverse health effects from pesticide exposure because their bodies and brains are still developing. Studies have linked pesticide exposure in children with learning disabilities, behavioral issues, lower IQs and other problems.
Current buffer zone rules in Kern County are not adequate. They are set at 1/4 mile for aerial applications of restricted use pesticides around residential areas, occupied labor camps, schools in session and other areas designated by the Agricultural Commissioner. Kern County ranks 2nd in pesticide use in CA. There are no current standard restrictions for ground applications of pesticides--yet they constitute the majority of pesticide applications.
The proposed regulations before the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would include all agricultural pesticide applications (including ground applications) around schools in session and during school-sponsored activities when children are present.
This is an absolutely vital first step to protecting California's children from pesticide exposure. Schools must be a safe place for kids to play and learn.
This is a good start, but it is not enough. The UFW and a coalition of community groups firmly believe these buffer zones should be larger, and include residences, hospitals, nursing homes and other sensitive sites. However, these regulations are a key first step towards the safety of children in Kern County. They will also set an important precedent for other farm worker counties throughout CA.
"I know that pesticides are very dangerous for my son. Not only to his health, but they can also can affect my son’s capacity to learn. In Kern county we have a lot of schools near agricultural operations. That's why I'm asking for your support to get the proposed buffer zones approved. We need to ensure our children are in safe schools in which their health is protected and they are not affected by pesticides. That way my son and other children can have a clean environment in which they can learn and have a really healthy and successful future." --Hector Garcia, Parent
The Kern County Agricultural Commissioner is currently organizing hearings on pesticide buffer zones near schools. These proposed buffer zones are a vital first step in protecting children’s health. Please help.
Approximately 90% of pesticides used in California drift away from their intended targets. Instead they can easily reach nearby homes, schools and businesses. Long-term exposure to pesticides can also cause cancer, reproductive harm and respiratory or nervous system damage. In addition, pesticide exposure can cause immediate poisonings to people close by.
Children are more at risk of adverse health effects from pesticide exposure because their bodies and brains are still developing. Studies have linked pesticide exposure in children with learning disabilities, behavioral issues, lower IQs and other problems.
Current buffer zone rules in Kern County are not adequate. They are set at 1/4 mile for aerial applications of restricted use pesticides around residential areas, occupied labor camps, schools in session and other areas designated by the Agricultural Commissioner. Kern County ranks 2nd in pesticide use in CA. There are no current standard restrictions for ground applications of pesticides--yet they constitute the majority of pesticide applications.
The proposed regulations before the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner would include all agricultural pesticide applications (including ground applications) around schools in session and during school-sponsored activities when children are present.
This is an absolutely vital first step to protecting California's children from pesticide exposure. Schools must be a safe place for kids to play and learn.
This is a good start, but it is not enough. The UFW and a coalition of community groups firmly believe these buffer zones should be larger, and include residences, hospitals, nursing homes and other sensitive sites. However, these regulations are a key first step towards the safety of children in Kern County. They will also set an important precedent for other farm worker counties throughout CA.
Please send your e-mail to the Kern County Ag Commissioner, Ruben J. Arroyo today and tell him to move forward with these proposed regulations as soon as possible.