Pesticide Use and Children

Dr. Greene’s take on pesticide use…

Current federal government regulations on pesticides may not adequately protect children. A report released in April 2000 by Congress’ investigative arm raised the concern that the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards do not account for children being more vulnerable than adults at the same level of pesticide exposure.

Both their smaller size and their maturing organ systems put children at significantly higher risk. Levels set just by studying effects on adults are not adequate. Children deserve better. Let’s include them as we work to understand the risks of pesticides and what levels are safe for different sizes of humans.