Pesticides Linked to Sick Kids “Pesticide use in or near U.S.
schools sickened more than 2,500 children and school employees
over a five-year period, and though most illnesses were mild,
their numbers have increased, a nationwide report found,” stated
an article from the Associated Press (AP). Some of the possible
chemicals may be insecticides, herbicides, disinfectants and
pesticides used to kill pests and diseases on school grounds and
nearby farms, according to the report by researchers at the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and their
colleagues the AP stated. The study covers incidents from
1998-2002, but “lead author Dr. Walter Alarcon said one of the
largest recent incidents occurred in May when about 600 students
and staff members were evacuated from an Edinburg, Texas,
elementary school after pesticides sprayed on a cotton field
drifted into the school's air conditioning system. About 30
students and nine staffers developed mild symptoms including
nausea and headaches,” said the