School Pest Management in the News Archive 2

The following headlines were culled from a search of articles in publications containing the words "school" plus "pest," "pesticide," or "integrated pest management" from July 2003 through May 2005.

For the complete articles, visit the publication's Web site. Most sites permit searching for recent articles free of charge, while archive searches are for a fee. Note: Before leaving this page for a news media site, select and copy the article title. Paste the title into the "Search" box on the media site for fastest retrieval of recent articles.

Kids pull together to fight pest plants. Daily Tribune, WI, 11 May 2005, 898 words, (English.)
Port Edwards and Wisconsin Rapids students fought a fierce tug of war Tuesday morning. They weren't fighting each other. Their enemies were honeysuckle bushes.

Riding with pesky roaches. Straits Times, Singapore, 8 May 2005, 1,300 words, (English.)
'We are committed to make traveling on our buses a pleasant experience for you.' So goes a quote from the SMRT website. However, I am doubtful of its service commitment to commuters, judging from the state of hygiene on its buses.

Fight ongoing to keep mice out of schools. The Patriot Ledger, MA, 3 May 2005, 562 words, (English.) The Milton school department is fighting an ongoing mice problem that several officials attribute to the continuing school renovation projects. Health director Michael Blanchard said an exterminator has been visiting.

Profile: Food Fight; Recent findings of health inspections at school cafeterias around the country. NBC News: Dateline NBC, 1 May 2005, 5,059 words, (English.) Pizza, burgers, mac and cheese. They are lunchroom favorites for school kids. But how clean and safe is the food being served in your child's cafeteria? Does it make the grade?

This is your lawn; this is your lawn on drugs, any questions? (Yes. Can a lawn grow without drugs?) The Boston Globe, 1 May 2005, 1,282 words, (English.) Grass-roots campaigns to squeeze out pesticides and go organic are gaining ground along Boston's North Shore, joining a big-bucks battle over the greening of America's lawns.

Biodynamic kids; Sr's Summerfield Waldorf School farm certified beyond organic. Press Democrat, CA, 29 April 2005, 815 words, (English.) "Spread out and go get them," farm teacher Dan Kranstover tells first-graders as they attack thistles in the sheep pasture at Santa Rosa's Summerfield Waldorf School.

Topic of the Day; Controlling school weeds. Asbury Park Press, NJ, 28 April 2005, 339 words, (English.) No spraying on sports fields. On April 22, parents/guardians of Toms River High School East students received a letter notifying us that the athletic fields were going to be sprayed with pesticides today, during spring break.

Birds of prey swoop into Lee Elementary. Statesman Journal, OR, 28 April 2005, 331 words, (English.) Students get to know 5 feathered friends - and a turkey vulture. To learn more about birds of prey and other Oregon Zoo animals, go to www.oregonzoo.org/ Animals/main.htm.

Arsenic cited in playground closure. Asbury Park Press, NJ, 27 April 2005, 873 words, (English). Castle Park, the popular playground at Oak and North Bay avenues, will be closed down this morning by the township because the play area's wooden structures have been treated with a chemical wood preservative.

Spotlight: Taft students explore nature; fun with bugs. The Press-Enterprise, CA, 27 April 2005, 245 words, (English.) Students from Taft Elementary School got a little buggy last week during an Earth Day celebration at the Western Municipal Water District headquarters.

Environmental cleanup; DEC helps farmers, schools toss dangerous chemicals. The Post Standard/Herald-Journal, NY, 27 April 2005, 747 words, (English). Ruth Cerklivich often worried about the unmarked plastic containers sitting in an old car on her farm. The car had been sitting in the same spot for more than 50 years, and several containers inside had begun to corrode and leak.

Feral weeds infesting man-made waterways. Townsville Bulletin, Austrailia, 27 April 2005, 312 words, (English.) Marilyn Walker says Thuringowa waterways are choking to death on feral plants.

Town Hall recognized for green green lawn. The Providence Journal, RI, 26 April 2005, 326 words, (English.) The town's insistence on providing a green lawn without harming the environment has won praise from a group that promotes the use of non-toxic fertilizers and pesticides.

Mother nature makes point at Earth Day celebration. The Columbus Dispatch, OH, 24 April 2005, 458 words, (English.) The plan was to fly newspaper kites high in the sky on a nice warm, central Ohio spring day. But apparently Mother Nature didn't get the message.

Lawmakers reject school cleanup. Bangor Daily News, ME, 23 April 2005, 134 words, (English.) Members of the Natural Resources Committee said Friday that a 30- cent fee on pesticide sales is not the right way to fund the cleanup of laboratories in high schools and middle schools.

Gov. Doyle announces De Pere HighSchool as Wisconsin's first green and healthy school. US Fed News, 22 April 2005, 694 words, (English.) Gov. Jim Doyle declared De Pere High School Wisconsin's first Green & Healthy School today at an Earth Day celebration held on school grounds.

Schools learn chemical-free gardening. Fiji Times, 22 April 2005, 411 words, (English.)
Home gardening provides fresh and nutritious and chemical-free crops for eating. The National Food and Nutrition Committee organised a one-day workshop on Wednesday for teachers and dieticians in the Central Division.

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality receives children's environmental health award from EPA. US Fed News, 20 April 2005, 223 words, (English). Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens announced today that ADEQ has received an award.

Give us a Marshall Plan for school environments asks Healthy Schools Network. PR Newswire, 18 April 2005, 308 words, (English.) State and national organizations representing millions of parents to ask White House and federal agencies for 'Marshall Plan' to attack school environmental problems hurting children's health and test scores.

New neighborhood will be pesticide-free. Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL, 16 April 2005, 723 words, (English.) Pam and Robert Morris won't have to worry about yard pesticides harming son Ross, 10, or Rudee, their Chihuahua. They don't plan to use pesticides, and neither do their neighbors.

Educators back cleanup of chemicals. Bangor Daily News, ME, 13 April 2005, 665 words, (English.) Public school is tough enough without exposing students to hazardous chemicals, advocates of a bill to pay for cleaning up school laboratories and janitors' closets told legislators Tuesday.

In California's Central Valley, pesticide fight heats up; Activists say state not doing enough to protect people. USA Today, 12 April 2005, 1150 words, (English.) From an airstrip a quarter-mile away, planes come and go with their toxic loads, spraying pesticides on blossoming almond trees that surround this tiny farm town's elementary school.

Seminole school's redesign will cost an extra $205,000. Orlando Sentinel, 13 April 2005, 323 words, (English.) A hasty decision to build an elementary school on land contaminated with arsenic, DDT and other pollutants will cost taxpayers more than $200,000.

Bees could be a danger. Gloucestershire Echo, United Kingdom, 11 April 2005, 170 words, (English.) Schoolchildren could be in danger of being stung by a swarm of bees in Twyning. Tewkesbury resident Rhoda Field says thousands of bees are nesting close to a footpath used by dozens of pupils on their way to Twyning School.

Bats bite two at University of Florida. Associated Press, 5 April 2005, 286 words, (English.) Two people at the University of Florida were bitten by bats in the same week, including a student who must undergo rabies shots.

Unwanted visitors. American School & University, 1 April 2005, 1085 words, (English.) In September 2004, the Boston Herald reported that a new $16.4 million early-childhood-education center in Somerville, Mass., was infested with rodents.

Pesticides determined to cause school poisoning. Pesticide & Toxic Chemicals News, 21 March 2005, 61 words, (English.) Health experts in the Philippines have claimed that 27 schoolchildren died as a result of eating cassava roots contaminated with pesticides. Tests on samples and patient response indicate that a carbamate-based pesticide is involved.

Teachers gassed. Newsquest Media Group Newspapers, United Kingdom, 19 March 2005, 385 words, (English.) Four teachers were taken to hospital suffering from breathing problems after being overcome by fumes during a chemical spillage at a Worcester special school.

NBI confirms: Insecticide poisoning cause of death of 27 school kids in Bohol. Manila Bulletin, Phillipines, 18 March 2005, 356 words, (English.) "One of the members of our forensic team, however, will still go back to Bohol to conduct further tests," NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said.

Law requires district to notify of pesticides. The Journal News, NY, 17 March 2005, 613 words, (English.) To the editor: New York State Education Law Section 409-H, effective July 1, 2001, requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty and staff.

Oakland- To spray or not to spray? City considers using herbicides against invasive plants in hills. The San Francisco Chronicle, 15 March 2005, 1026 words, (English). Robert Sieben and Michelle Miller strongly disagree about whether herbicides should be used on public property -- and they each can point to the same steep North Oakland hillside to prove their point.

Carbamate poisoning caused Bohol deaths. Asia Pulse, 15 March 2005, 495 words, (English.) The Department of Health on Monday ruled out cyanide poisoning as the cause of the deaths of 27 school children and illness to 77 others in Mabini town, Bohol province.

Limerick school is forced to close due to 'rodent activity'. Irish Times, 12 March 2005, 461 words, (English.) A Co Limerick primary school was advised to close by the Health Service Executive Mid-Western Area after a rat was spotted there this week.

School will 'rat'chet up city rodent control. New York Post, 11 March 2005, 262 words, (English.) Rats are so smart that the city is opening the nation's first "rat college" to teach professionals the best techniques to get rid of the rampant rodents.

More cause to hate roaches: asthma. Bugs linked to attacks, health threat for kids in Chicago's inner city. Chicago Sun-Times, 9 March 2005, 555 words, (English.) A major study has confirmed the leading role cockroaches play in triggering asthma, and researchers found the pests are especially troublesome in Chicago's inner city neighborhoods.

Building better mousetrap cars; Pest-control devices power entries at a Cal State Fullerton contest for high schools. Los Angeles Times, 24 February 2005, 560 words, (English.) Seventeen-year-old Nancy Gonzalez tensely leaned forward as a contest judge sliced open her taped cardboard box. "Oh, I can't look," she said, moments before the judge flipped her a thumbs up.

Rat closes nursery. Fife Leader, United Kingdom, 23 February 2005, 225 words, (English.) A rat has left 50 youngsters twiddling their thumbs after forcing the week-long closure of an East Wemyss nursery. Fife Council's environment health decided to shut down the nursery at School Wynd after finding the unwanted rodent.

Don't use Chinese chalk. Albuquerque Journal, NM, 19 February 2005, 695 words, (English.) Q: My daughter's first-grade classroom is plagued with ants that descend on food scraps and invade the hermit crab's habitat, as well as other nooks and crannies. The teacher yesterday showed me a product she thinks works well.

Schools urged to curb toxins; Coalition wants districts to reduce pesticide use to protect kids' health. Akron Beacon Journal, OH, 12 February 2005, 395 words, (English.) A grass-roots organization is kicking off a campaign to make schools in Northeast Ohio less toxic.

Schools' chemical cleanups unfunded. Portland Press Herald, ME, 9 February 2005, 941 words, (English.) The discovery of toxic, explosive and radioactive chemicals sitting on shelves in middle schools and high schools around the state has grabbed the attention of lawmakers, who want to pump money into a statewide cleanup effort.

A chemical reaction for local schools; After 2003 incident, educators want to avoid toxin troubles. The Plain Dealer, OH, 7 February 2005, 896 words, (English.) It was just a mistake that day in May 2003 when an exterminator sprayed weedkiller around Madison Middle School. But the fresh spring air pouring into the sixth- and seventh- grade classroom windows became tainted.

Children's environmental health legislation. Associated Press, 1 February 2005, 387 words, (English.) Legislative proposals under a regional effort to protect children from environmental dangers: Iowa Restrict idling times for school buses.

Colleges are growing customers for small local farms. The Providence Journal, RI, 30 January 2005, 786 words, (English.) More colleges are buying organic and low-pesticide produce from local farmers. At Brown University, some students and staff go on farm tours and picking excursions.

Pri 4 boy dies of dengue fever. Straits Times, Malaysia, 29 January 2005, 400 words, (English). In what could be the first fatal dengue case this year, a 10-year-old student has died in the KK Women's and Children's Hospital from the mosquito-borne disease.

Council puts ant poison to the test. The Nelson Mail, New Zealand, 27 January 2005, 417 words, (English.) A trial testing argentine ant bait on the closely-related darwin ant got under way today at Nayland Primary School in an attempt to eradicate the pest scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about.

Thinking green in a gray season. The New York Times, 23 January 2005, 779 words, (English.) You can't accuse the organics movement of thinking small. In fact, the Grassroots Healthy Lawn Program, a pesticide-free strategy meant to help homeowners grow good grass without toxic chemicals, is aiming big. Think Home Depot and Sears.

Tails out of School: 4th R's for rodents. New York Daily News, 20 January 2005, 162 words, (English.) Nearly eight of 10 parents and educators say their public school is infested by rats and mice, according to a new poll by Inside Schools.

Tiny creatures given mission; Company to use microscopic organisms for cleanup of contaminated school site. The Hartford Courant, CT, 18 January 2005, 369 words, (English.) Although it sounds like science fiction, officials hope the use of microscopic creatures can help the town save on the cleanup costs at the site for a new elementary school.

Lawn-care opponents mark turf; ‘The gloves are off,' ad says, signalling pesticide industry's desire to step up fight. The Globe and Mail, Canada, 18 January 2005, 707 words, (English.) Fearing that the Canadian movement to ban the use of pesticides on lawns will take root in the United States, the American lawn-care industry has thrown down the gauntlet.

State board questions plan to levy new fee on pesticides. Bangor Daily News, ME, 15 January 2005, 807 words, (English.) A plan to fund the cleanup of hazardous chemicals in homes and schools by levying a new fee on pesticides sold in Maine has the Board of Pesticides Control asking whether the well- intentioned proposal is the best way to ensure ...

Rats as big as cats invade school. Newsquest Media Group Newspapers, 13 January 2005, 527 words, (English.) Workmen were today accused of causing an infestation of rats the size of cats at a school. As they were killed with poison the stench of rotting bodies became so bad parts of Varndean School, Brighton, had to be closed.

School district finishes cleanup at paint dump site; Superintendent will give update at board meeting. The Kansas City Star, 5 January 2005, 459 words, (English.) The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has given the Olathe School District a thumbs up on its cleanup of a site in northwest Olathe.

Freeing kids from asthma. Mothering Magazine, 1 January 2005, 623 words, (English.) Asthma, the leading chronic illness in children, is on the rise. Between 1980 and 1995, reports the Centers for Disease Control, the rates of asthma in children more than doubled. Four million children have an asthma attack every year.

School's water supply contaminated. Waikato Times, New Zealand, 17 December 2004, 253 words, (English.) Harrisville School near Tuakau is supplying its students with bottled water and asking them to bring a full sipper bottle to school after pesticide was discovered in the school's water supply.

Pesticide drift in valley is a serious public health problem. Statesman Journal, OR, 17 December 2004, 728 words, (English.) I was pleased that the Statesman Journal printed the Nov. 26 article about Keri Miller and her unfortunate problem with pesticide trespass.

Pigeon spotting puts students in the poo. Liverpool Leader, Australia, 15 December 2004, 212 words, (English). A $5000 playground shelter built four years ago at Heckenberg Public School provided an ideal area for children to play in. That was until pigeons spotted the prime real estate and nestled in the rafters.

City to spend at least $3M to rid schools of pests, leaky roofs. The Boston Globe, 10 December 2004, 496 words, (English.) Boston school officials will spend at least $3 million next school year to rid schools of pests and to contend with leaky roofs, but lack the money to immediately repair every problem cited in a recent environmental inspection report.

School has unwelcome guests. Newsquest Media Group Newspapers, United Kingdom, 27 November 2004, 138 words, (English.) Terrified teachers put their phobias aside to face an invasion of squeaking field mice. Squealing staff donned rubber gloves and armed themselves with disinfectant after dozens of tiny rodents were discovered.

Envrionmental report details city schoool ills. The Boston Globe, 19 November 2004, 1,184 words, (English.) Ninety percent of Boston's public schools have at least one environmental problem that can trigger asthma attacks or allergies, such as a leaky roof, excessive dust, poor ventilation, mice, or cockroaches.

Schools respond to infractions. Daily Press, VA, 17 November 2004, 395 words, (English.) Better communication and more aggressive oversight are part of W- JCC's plan to reduce health violations at cafeterias.

Medical course, pest control on school board agenda. Contra Costa Times, CA, 9 November 2004, 242 words, (English.) Medical course, pest control on school board agenda A briefing on a new medical class and an update on a community group's efforts to control pests at schools will be on the agenda when district trustees meet tonight.

Schools take critical look at pesticide use. The Olympian, WA, 8 November 2004, 1,826 words, (English.) A swarm of millipedes recently migrated to Horizons Elementary School in Lacey. Instead of using bug killer, school officials decided to use another method of pest control.

IPM regulations poised to move beyond schools. Pest Control Magazine, 1 November 2004, 791 words, (English) Maine is proposing a broad integrated pest management (IPM) proposal that would extend beyond schools into all commercial buildings and multi-unit residential housing. What does it entail?

Creating a custodial program. School Planning and Management Magazine, 1 November 2004, 679 words, (English.) Whether you are starting a new program, evaluating your current program or reorganizing your operations, a quality custodial program doesn't happen by accident.

Harrison. The Journal News, NY, 28 October 2004, 388 words, (English.) Organic lawn-care training is launched. County exec touts program that avoids use of pesticides.

Infants at European school escape flea-infested nursery. European Voice, 28 October 2004, 525 words, (English.) Parents have taken their children out of one of the European Schools in Brussels following complaints that it is "crawling" with fleas.

Chemical reaction. Evergreen Monthly Magazine, September 2004, 1,534 words, (English.) Ninety-six percent of Washington’s school districts use pesticides linked to cancer, nerve damage, developmental harm and hormone disruption. Seven of 10 schoolchildren are routinely exposed to five or more high-hazard chemicals — some of the bigger ones use upwards of a dozen or more. Even with the statewide Children’s Pesticide Right-to-Know Act passed in 2002, the majority of schools are not properly reporting pesticide use.

Lice discovery 'Like a horror movie '. Montreal Gazette, Canada, 19 August 2004, 1,000 words, (English.) As a nurse, Diane has seen her share of blood, guts and gore. But even with that experience, nothing quite prepared her for the day her 11-year-old daughter's scalp moved.

UND researchers awarded National Institute of Envrionmental Health Sciences grant to study impact of pesticide exposure. M2 Presswire, 9 August 2004, 304 words, (English.) Several researchers at the University of North Dakota have been awarded a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to study the Impact of Pesticide Exposure on Cognition in Children.

Pest management program works well. The Post Standard/Herald-Journal, NY, 5 August 2004, 547 words, (English.) Cornell University is nearly finished testing a new form of pest management in the North Syracuse school district. For the past three years, the school district has participated in Integrated Pest Management.

Outfoxing the villain; School clean-up to eliminate pest. Stonnington Leader, Australia, 28 July 2004, 412 words, (English.) Foxes have been spotted sneaking around Toorak streets at night, prompting residents and nearby schools to make their properties less attractive to the vermin.

Investigators arrest microb phase president. Fairfield Minuteman, CT, 27 July 2004, 1,201 words, (English.) Man accused of defrauding schools dating back to at least 2000 in remediating air quality problems he identified, "falsely and fraudulently representing that the product that he applied was registered with the EPA and that his remediation program was approved by the EPA;" and producing fraudulent reports indicating his services and products had successfully solved the problems. Full article.

California Safe Schools partners with celebrated artist. California Safe Schools, 27
July 2004, 557 words, (English.) Imagination can make kids laugh, but it can also save their lives. That's why the California Safe Schools Coalition partnered with internationally celebrated artist Michael Bruza with a launch of an innovative children's safety poster campaign, aimed at reducing pests without the use of pesticides. Full article.

Parents want pesticides out of schools. The Herald-Sun, 18 July 2004, 994 words, (English.) While many voters are looking at candidates' positions on student discipline, budgetary concerns and low test scores in Tuesday's school board election, a group of parents and teachers is focusing on a health issue. They want the Durham Public Schools to implement a new pest control policy that doesn't use chemicals proven to be harmful to people. Full article.

Dangers in the air: Children are the subjects of uncontrolled industrial emissions experiment, experts fear. National Post, Canada, 13 July 2004, 880 words, (English.) An increase in childhood cancers, diseases, birth defects, lower intelligence, and learning and behavioural problems could be linked to industry emissions of thousands of chemicals in North America.

Bats being removed from Hattiesburg High School. Associated Press,12 July 2004, 304 words, (English.) Bats living at Hattiesburg High School can check out, but they'll have a hard time checking back in. About 300 of the winged mammals have made a home in the school's gymnasium.

Aldama Elementary students take pride in keeping green. California Safe Schools, 8 July 2004, 227 words, (English.) At Aldama Elementary in Los Angeles, California, teachers are busy handing out "good money" to students observed picking up trash around campus. The names of students are pulled from the "good money" box at assemblies, and these students are awarded prizes. Students know that having less trash on campus means having less pests. They also know it's easier to keep pests away than to get rid of them once they arrive. Full article.

32 Thai children sent to hospital after drinking beverage. Xinhua News Agency, China, 29 June 2004, 226 words, (English.) One teacher and 32 kindergarten children in Thailand's central Samut Prakan province were sent to hospital with symptoms of food poisoning after consuming drinks served at their school, local media reported.

Students lobby against pesticides; Orangeville youngsters collect 300 names "I'm in favor of banning their use," mayor says. The Toronto Star, Canada, 28 June 2004, 645 words, (English.) Miranda Brar lives on a nice Orangeville street lined with old trees and old houses with perfectly manicured lawns. In fact, she says, it's so nice that it's making her sick.

Stop pesticide abuse. Edmonton Journal, Canada, 24 June 2004, 166 words, (English.) A sunny August afternoon, a playground of sand and grass and about 15 kids playing tag, barefoot and bare-legged, supervised by a parks and recreation employee.

'Prank' sends 11 to hospital; Police suspect prank at high school; Chemical sprinkled in high school; 156 Thornhill students decontaminated. The Toronto Star, Canada, 16 June 2004, 1074 words, (English.) Eleven students were sent to hospital yesterday, and more than 150 were decontaminated, after a chemical was released at a Thornhill high school in what may have been an end-of-year school prank.

Poisons taint new school site; Seminole county school officials vow to clean it up and make it safe. Orlando Sentinel, FL, 15 June 2004, 908 words, (English.) The land for a new elementary school in Seminole County is poisoned with arsenic and other contaminants, but school district officials say the property will be cleaned up and made safe for students.

Pesticides are found in free fruit given to schoolchildren. Western Morning News, United Kingdom, 14 June 2004, 204 words, (English.) Pesticides have been found in fresh fruit given free to schoolchildren as part of a Government initiative, according to a new report.

It's not easy being green: We've made some real progress of reducing waste. Calgary Herald, Canada, 30 May 2004, 666 words, (English.) We excel in some regards. The Ride the Wind initiative is uniquely Calgarian. We are leaders in wastewater treatment.

Pesticide filings not pouring in; Many state schools, centers ignore law. Worcester Telegram & Gazette, MA, 25 May 2004, 940 words, (English.) About half the state's schools and 80 percent of the state's 3,242 day care centers have ignored a 3-year-old state law aimed at limiting exposure of children to potentially harmful pesticides, according to state pesticide officials.

Most schools ignore pesticide law audit cites lack of disclosure. The Boston Globe, 25 May 2004, 559 words, (English.) Most Massachusetts schools and child-care centers that have sprayed to stave off insect infestation have not disclosed when and how often they use pesticides, a violation of state law, a state audit has found.

Audit finds schools ignoring pesticide protections law. The Herald-Tribune, FL, 24 May 2004, 562 words, (English.) More than 80 percent of schools and child care centers failed to comply with a state law governing pesticide use, and the state agency in charge of oversight has failed to enforce the law, according to an audit released Monday. Full article.

Field mice no longer a problem; Southwest High School takes steps to stop the infestation, including hiring an exterminator. Greensboro News & Record, NC, 20 May 2004, 487 words, (English.) A recorded message by Southwest High School principal Wanda Legrand told parents this week that the school has addressed its rodent infestation to the satisfaction of the Guilford County Department of Public Health.

Pesticide spill prompts evacuation of school. San Bernardino County Sun, CA, 20 May 2004, 375 words, (English.) A broken bottle of pesticide next door to Terrace View Elementary School sent 21 children to area hospitals Wednesday as the school was evacuated.

Fumes make students ill. Monterey County Herald, CA, 20 May 2004, 131 words, (English.) Pesticide fumes drifted into an elementary school Wednesday, causing 21 students to get sick and be transported to the hospital, authorities said.

Fumes sicken students in Grand Terrace. Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2004, 160 words, (English.) Nearly two dozen children at a Grand Terrace elementary school were sent to hospitals complaining of nausea and stomachaches Wednesday after inhaling fumes from a broken pesticide container, officials said.

NABE fighting new school asbestos, mercury could taint site, worried residents say. New York Daily News, 12 May 2004, 345 words, (English.) Concerned parents and residents of a Bronx neighborhood are battling with the city over plans to place a high school on a lot they fear could be a toxic time bomb.

Westland student project protects river from erosion. The Detroit News, 12 May 2004, 253 words, (English.) Zachary Franklin and his classmates at P.D. Graham Elementary School spent the school year learning the importance of trees, shrubs and storm drains for keeping the Rouge River clean.

School use of pesticides to be curbed. Asbury Park Press, NJ, 4 May 2004, 570 words, (English.) All public, private and charter schools with grades pre-K through 12 must have "integrated pest management" programs aimed at minimizing pesticide use under state rules proposed yesterday.

Chemical dangers at schools; Pesticides used by many districts, coalition says. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 30 April 2004, 723 words, (English.) The good news is that public school groundskeepers in Seattle are cutting back on their use of hazardous chemicals for killing weeds and bugs, and some other school districts have stopped using highly toxic pesticides altogether.

Evergreen, B.G. schools noted for pesticide use. The Columbian, WA, 30 April 2004, 686 words, (English.) The Evergreen and Battle Ground school districts rank among the highest of Washington schools for their use of pesticides, according to a study released Thursday by the Washington Toxics Coalition.

Marlton Elementary shines on Earth Day. Courier-Post, NJ, 29 April 2004, 491 words, (English.) Evesham's schools stopped using pesticides 10 years ago; now, they are starting to recycle sneakers.

New state rules protect students from pesticides. The Star-Ledger, NJ, 24 April 2004, 478 words, (English.) Pesticide use in schools will be altered dramatically under new regulations announced yesterday by Gov. James E. McGreevey during an appearance before third and fourth-grade students at Campbell School in Metuchen.

More toxic tests set for Brown-Barge. Pensacola News Journal, FL, 20 April 2004, 639 words, (English.) Florida regulators plan additional testing for toxic chemicals at Brown-Barge Elementary School.

Environmental toxins; Study shows benefits to newborns of federal ban on home use of two insecticides. Women's Health Weekly, 15 April 2004, 571 words, (English.) A U.S. ban on two insecticides is benefiting newborn babies, according to a study released by the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health.

City finds 130 violations at five schools in LAUSD. Los Angeles Daily News, 13 April 2004, 638 words, (English.) Despite up to two weeks' warning, five schools targeted in a joint L.A. Unified School District-city inspection program ran up more than 130 safety and building violations, including pest infestation, and leaky roofs.

Milton school given clean bill of health; Officials say gas leak fixed, mice under control. The Patriot Ledger, MA, 8 April 2004, 500 words, (English.) School administrators say they are confident they have eliminated health code violations in the kitchen of the newly renovated Glover Elementary School.

U.S. plans study on environment and kids. Associated Press, 5 April 2004, 794 words, (English.) Does a pregnant woman's exposure to certain chemicals put her child at risk of learning disabilities? Do genetics and pollution interact to cause asthma? What's the real impact of TV on toddlers?

Pest management professionals go 'back to school' in observance of national pest management month. Business Wire.com, 29 March 2004, 386 words, (English.) President Bush designated month in recognition of importance of pest control industry.

The bug lady, she keeps the lid on pests in Pittsburgh schools. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 28 March 2004, 1248 words, (English.) Maria Moio creeps slowly into the pitch black room armed only with a flashlight. A cool, light draft pushes by her as she disappears into the darkness.

The bug man: Spraying wherechildren gather is simply irresponsible. The Santa Fe New Mexican, 28 March 2004, 657 words, (English.) Question: After reading your recent column about pesticides for roaches, I need to ask if you can explain to me how roach bait can kill as many or more roaches than a monthly spraying.

Asthma and pesticides in public schools : Does the ADA provide a remedy where FIFRA fails to proect? Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review, 26 March 2004, 7,465 words, (English.) For students suffering from asthma exacerbated or induced by chemical pesticide use, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may provide a remedy to enjoin the use of chemical pesticides in public schools. The ADA has been used as a remedy for environmentally-related disabilities with mixed results. There have been successful challenges to the ADA used in this context based on the comprehensive regulatory nature of many environmental statutes.

State agencies and partners sign agreement on pesticide use in schools. Toxic Free NC, 25 March 2004, 312 words, (English.) State officials, business leaders and community partners came together March 4 at Raleigh’s Centennial Campus Middle School to sign an accord recommending a smarter approach to pest control for North Carolina’s schools. Full article.

In your back yard; Weather conditions, not calendar, determine pesticide application. Dayton Daily News, OH, 25 March 2004, 629 words, (English.) A couple of weeks ago I wrote that there was still a month left to apply crabgrass preventers. I'd like to think that the snowfall since then vindicated that statement, but I understand it may have caused some skepticism.

Children help spread the word; Growers involve schools in a successful programme to reduce spraying. New Zealand Herald, 15 March 2004, 348 words, (English.) A huge transformation in the way that orchardists grow their apples and pears has created a unique partnership between the industry and schools.

Chicago rodent inspectors take tough job. Associated Press, 13 March 2004, 658 words, (English.) Anthony Williams spends his days combing over city schools property looking for cracked walls, cluttered closets and leaky pop machines -- anything that could provide access, cover or food for mice and rats.

Michigan requires pesticide notices at schools. ENS-Newswire.com, 12 March 2004, 259 words, (English.) Michigan has a new law that requires schools and day care centers to notify parents or legal guardians of children at least 48 hours in advance that pesticides will be applied to the school's or center's property. Full article.

A swipe at sprayers in school. The News & Observer, NC, 4 March 2004, 735 words, (English.) North Carolina schoolchildren are getting a boost from a group of state leaders concerned about health and safety.

Sports-loving bats back at Slidell High game; System works to evict colony. Times-Picayune, LA, 2 March 2004, 529 words, (English.) Some observers say Slidell High School's boys basketball team utilizes a bat-out-of-hell style that frustrates opponents. But in Friday's Class 5A bidistrict playoff game between Slidell and Fortier, the bats got the best of both teams.

The hair itch project. The Palm Beach Post, FL, 26 February 2004, 2,555 words, (English.) "I . . . I . . . I won't share hats anymore! Or combs! Just please . . . get them off me!" It all starts, says Katie Shepherd, with an itch.

Mosquito-busting gadgets being marketed. Associated Press, 26 February 2004, 724 words, (English.) Herb Nyberg turned his son's school science fair project into a cottage industry -- the Larvasonic, a device that uses pulses of sound to kill mosquito larva growing in standing water.

Pesticide-free playing fields a healthy goal: Killing dandelions not worth risk to kids. Edmonton Journal, Canada, 23 February 2004, 257 words, (English.) I have been involved in the city hall debate on pesticide use in Edmonton, and am curious about something.

'Helping attitude' at school pays off Yulee: Yulee Middle custodian wins top award. The Florida Times-Union, 11 February 2004, 785 words, (English.) As children jostle into the Yulee Middle School cafeteria, Kathy Bennett grins. "This really is one of the only times they get to relax," the school custodian said.

Lake Park West strives to eliminate mice, infestation worries. Chicago Tribune, 11 February 2004, 593 words, (English.) When Jade Dorynek opened her locker to find holes in her lunch bag and droppings in the bottom, she knew that a mouse had taken up residence.

Couple ask DeForest schools to drop pesticides. The Capital Times & Wisconsin State Journal, 1 February 2004, 372 words, (English.) A DeForest couple want the DeForest School District to stop spraying its schools' grass with weed killer. District officials say they may go ahead with the spraying this spring despite the objections.

Evidence found of tree pest in Vienna; Nearly 200 ash to be destroyed. The Washington Post, 29 January 2004, 418 words, (English.) More than 190 ash trees in neighborhoods near the new Colvin Run Elementary School will be destroyed by April because of evidence that some have been infested by a deadly exotic pest, Fairfax County officials said.

Group thinking outside the box for rat control. Newsday, NY, 26 January 2004, 357 words, (English.) Bacon and cheese and peanut butter. Sound appetizing? Well, rats apparently think so - and that's why two dozen boxes filled with the combination were put down as bait in a Bronx park yesterday by an advocacy group.

City to clean 600 schools over rodent problems. Chicago Tribune, 23 January 2004, 1,183 words, (English.) Attempting to wipe out a rodent problem that threatens students' health, Chicago Public Schools officials have ordered a "top-to-bottom scouring" of all of the district's 600 schools.

Students get more than calcium from milk. California Safe Schools, 22 January 2004, 285 words, (English.) The California Safe Schools Coalition and Los Angeles Unified Board member David Tokofsky, were joined by political leaders, educators, and children's health advocates as they unveiled new milk cartons that deliver important safety messages to kids. Full article.

How to curb head lice infestations that spread rapidly when children share personal items. PR Newswire, 19 January 2004, 598 words, (English.) Whether it be little league, dance class, sleep-over parties, school or camp, children spread undetected head lice to friends and family by sharing personal items or being in close contact.

'Lice brigade' inspects heads weekly: Insect a concern for parents, schools. Montreal Gazette, Canada, 17 January 2004, 517 words, (English.) For one tense moment, Tiziana Rossi sucked in her breath as she inspected a strand of her daughter's hair. Rossi had noticed a few white specks on 7-year-old Audrey Lukban's dark tresses. She tapped at the specks with a wooden stick.

Stress-free plants will be pest-free. Poughkeepsie Journal, NY, 16 January 2004, 424 words, (English.) Organic gardeners, and those who shun commercial pesticides, will tell you the way they repel pests is by not providing an attractive environment for them in the first place.

Philadelphia school benefits from Penn State service learning project. Pennsylvania IPM Program, 7 January 2004, 814 words, (English.) A new Penn State service learning project at Shaw Middle School in West Philadelphia will try to alleviate unhealthy indoor environments by empowering students, teachers and the community to implement Integrated Pest Management. Full article.

Regulatory outlook 2004-- Part One. Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, 5 January 2004, 4,609 words, (English.) In this first segment of a two-part outlook, Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News takes a look at what are expected to be the biggest issues in pesticide regulation in 2004.

Asthma and pesticides in public schools: Does the ADA provide a remedy where FIFRA fails to protect? Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review, 1 January 2004, 7,808 words, (English.) Abstract: For students suffering from asthma exacerbated or induced by chemical pesticide use, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may provide a remedy to enjoin the use of chemical pesticides in public schools.

Clovis School District goes to war with gophers. Contra Costa Times, CA, 28 December 2003, 190 words, (English.) Gophers running roughshod over school playgrounds and biting children have prompted the Clovis Unified School District to turn to rodent-eating owls for help.

Environmental toxins; Young males exposed to pesticide endosulfan see delay in sexual maturation. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, 28 December 2003, 388 words, (English.) Male school children exposed to the pesticide endosulfan showed delayed sexual maturity compared with similar children who were not exposed, according to a study.

For our kids' sake, cut pesticide use. Anchorage Daily News, AK, 27 December 2003, 709 words, (English.) Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Ballard's recent decision to permit aerial spraying of pesticides and herbicides in Alaska leaves me dumbfounded.

Screeching to a halt; Clovis Unified hopes nesting boxes will attract owls to eat gophers.
The Fresno Bee, CA, 26 December 2003, 1,043 words, (English.) Like the turf-obsessed greenskeeper in "Caddyshack," Doug Buchanan is at war with gophers that are ruining Clovis Unified's playing fields, damaging $35,000 school-district mowers with their mounds, and even biting students.

Driving kids buggy in Lake Ridge. The Washington Post, 26 December 2003, 1064 words, (English.) If your child is the type who thinks worm-eating on "Fear Factor" is cool or who's disappointed that Santa didn't deliver a pet tarantula, take a winter-break field trip to a place where the motto is "Learning About Bugs Is Fun!"

Removal of soil starts at new school. The Bradenton Herald, FL, 17 December 2003, 467 words, (English.) Under a cleanup plan approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, removal of roughly 1,200 tons of contaminated soil began Tuesday at Braden River High School.

Mice stirring Dreyfoos hallways. The Palm Beach Post, FL, 13 December 2003, 321 words, (English.) Normally, the only mice scurrying through the Dreyfoos School of the Arts this time of year are ballet students practicing for the rodent role featured in Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker.

Meeting of school trustees focuses on student complaints. The Fresno Bee, CA, 4 December 2003, 697 words, (English.) The fallout from a Nov. 14 Fresno High School students' protest was detailed Wednesday during a sometimes spirited trustees' meeting in which students rallied for better campus conditions.

Less toxic pesticides better for schools, report says. The News & Observer, NC, 3 December 2003, 465 words, (English.) The Agricultural Resources Center's Pesticide Education Project advocates minimizing use of toxic pesticides in its new report, "Clean Schools, Safe Kids."

Acute occupational disinfectant-related illness among youth reported. Biotech Week, 3 December 2003, 503 words, (English.) Researchers report the prevalence of acute occupational disinfectant-related illness among youth from 1993 to 1998.

Attack of the louse; Misconceptions about head lice still abound, though cases now outnumber chicken pox among school-age children. The Spokesman-Review, WA, 1 December 2003, 1,168 words, (English.) As a child, I remember my girlfriends and I playing tag against pesky boys on the school playground. We loudly shouted, "You have cooties!"

Arsenic-laced play sets pose threat cancer risk exists for kids, EPA says. The Plain Dealer, OH, 1 December 2003, 765 words, (English.) This playground structure at Coventry Elementary School in Cleveland Heights is made from arsenic- treated lumber.

Students become weed warriors. Frankston Standard, Austrailia, 1 December 2003, 162 words, (English.) Primary School students have become weed warriors with their first battle against gorse.

State to cap contaminated soil - dirt blanket to cover ground near North Memphis school. The Commercial Appeal, TN, 29 November 2003, 358 words, (English.) A state contractor next week will begin laying a nearly two-acre dirt blanket on top of contaminated soil in a creek bank near a North Memphis school.

Head lice an equal opportunity insect. The Tucson Citizen, AZ, 28 November 2003, 1,575 words, (English.) No one expects it to happen to her child, one mother says after an exhausting bout to rid her 7-year-old daughter and home of the pests. Families must be diligent to prevent return.

Weeding out pesticides; Volunteers pitch in to replace poisonous chemcials in schools.
The Seattle Times, 26 November 2003, 2,216 words, (English.) On a recent drizzly Saturday morning, Ron Martinez climbed aboard a rented John Deere tractor in the parking lot at Martha Lake Elementary School. After searching a few moments for the ignition switch, he started it up.

California begins development of environmentally preferable school building products online database. BuildingGreen.com, 25 November 2003, 500 words, (English.) The Department of General Services Division of State Architect has launched the development a database designed to provide a complete list of environmentally preferred products to be used in school construction projects. Full article.

Fewer pesticides and fewer pests at school. Toxic Free NC, 24 November 2003, 396 words, (English.) "Clean Schools, Safe Kids," a new report released today by the Agricultural Resources Center & Pesticide Education Project, details the benefits to schools, student health, and environmental quality that can be achieved using least-toxic pest control programs that minimize the use of toxic pesticides. Full article.

School attacks rodent problem. The Patriot Ledger, MA, 20 November 2003, 384 words, (English.) Snug Harbor Elementary School is trying to keep a rodent problem at bay by taking preventative measures and putting out traps following teacher complaints about mice in the school.

Wake advocates prevention as way to control pests. The News & Observer, NC, 19 November 2003, 620 words, (English.) Today is your opportunity to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about getting rid of non-human pests in Wake County schools.

Corralling school creepy-crawlies; Districts employ healthful pest control methods.
The Arizona Republic, 18 November 2003, 1,148 words, (English.) Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School had scorpions. Scores of scorpions. About one scorpion for every two students. It was enough to set fingers a-twitching on bottles of bug spray across campus.

School site is deemed to be safe, little contamination found at Macarthur Elementary.
The Boston Globe, 16 November 2003, 393 words, (English.) Test results to be released later this week show no dangerous levels of contamination at the Douglas MacArthur Elementary School site, according to David A. King, business manager for the Waltham public schools.

Workday will benefit cedar barren near school. The Knoxville News-Sentinel, TN, 9 November 2003, 152 words, (English.) A workday to remove exotic pest plants from the cedar barren near Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.

State classifies mill near three Bibb Schools as hazardous site. Macon Telegraph, GA, 6 November 2003, 926 words, (English.) Macon's Atlantic Cotton Mill, which is located near three schools, has been classified a hazardous site by the state because of elevated levels of metals and arsenic in the soil.

Pesticide find to be discussed. The San Diego Union-Tribune, CA, 5 November 2003, 178 words, (English.) A report on the presence of banned pesticides on the grounds at Midland Elementary School will be discussed Nov. 19.

New survey shows people embarrassed by head lice, though condition has little to do with hygiene. PR Newswire, 3 November 2003, 618 words, (English.) When a child comes home from school with head lice and a note from the school nurse, parents usually experience a variety of emotions, especially if it is a first encounter with head lice.

Scientists unraveling lice genome to halt blood-sucking pest. Ascribe News.org, 31 October 2003, 1,179 words, (English.) Research aimed at understanding how lice feed off humans may lead to new methods to control the blood-sucking pest that can transmit fatal diseases.

Chile: Schoolchildren intoxicated by crop dusting in rural Melipilla. BBC News, Americas, 30 October 2003, 409 words, (English.) Fifty-two pupils and four adults have been intoxicated by a pesticide sprayed from a crop-dusting plane on a piece of land next to a school in rural Melipilla.

Happy to be... a pest controller. Newsquest Media Group Newspapers, 27 October 2003, 652 words, (English.) Hissing cockroaches, Euro wasps and hundreds of mummified cats are just some of the challenges facing Paul Bates as part of his job as a pest controller.

EPA questions North Carolina plan to ease pesticide restrictions. Associated Press, 27 October 2003, 527 words, (English.) Environmental regulators and activists are bristling at a state proposal to allow crop-dusters to spray nearer to homes and schools in North Carolina.

School policies on lice vary. Times-Picayune, 26 October 2003, 792 words, (English.) As millions of kids get settled in school, the annual hair- pulling over what to do about the dreaded pediculosis capitis -- the head louse -- begins anew.

Health risks to children at existing and proposed school sites - California EPA proposal for comment. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California EPA, 16 October 2003, 283 words, (English.) The California EPA recently issued a News Release, titled "Announcement of a Public Comment Period Public Comments on the Final Draft Guidance for Assessing Exposures and Health Risks at Existing and Proposed School Sites." Full article.

Pesticide hearing raises questions; A state board meets with Gorham neighbors about a woman's sensitivity to chemicals. Portland Press Herald, 16 October 2003, 568 words, (English.) Gorham residents of Morrill Avenue walked away from a meeting with the State Board of Pesticides Control Wednesday night with more questions than answers about a proposal to ban the use of pesticides in a section of their neighborhood.

Palo Alto parent teaches recycling. Contra Costa Times, CA, 12 October 2003, 431 words, (English.) Palo Alto Unified, the district famous for trying to feed its first-graders organic bean-and-cheese burritos, has been serving its pesticide-free food on Styrofoam plates.

Fears resurface on school site contamination soil to be restudied for toxic remnants. The Boston Globe, 9 October 2003, 889 words, (English.) Contaminated soil near an elementary school. Teachers dying of cancer.

School meals often just 'muck off a truck' claim. The Journal, 6 October 2003, 358 words, (English.) School meals are often nothing more than "muck off a truck" that cost caterers half as much to make as prison food, a report said today.

Head lice; Recommendations provided for back-to-school head lice problem. Health & Medicine Week, 6 October 2003, 368 words, (English.) The American Journal of Nursing (AJN) covers both sides of the controversy raised by the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) recommendation to eliminate "no-nit" policies.

Sprayed areas should always be posted for users' safety. Albuquerque Journal, 4 October 2003, 907 words, (English.) Q: I saw a city truck spraying a city park next to a school the other day. When I questioned him, he said he was spraying Dylox for grubs. Is this pesticide safe considering that kids play there during the day?

Schools take action against virus. The Santa Fe New Mexican, 1 October 2003, 388 words, (English.) A pest-control company dropped granules that stop mosquitoes from maturing into wastewater lagoons at Jacona campus of the Pojoaque Schools after parents expressed concerns their children might contract the mosquito-borne West Nile virus.

Battle against head lice brings frustration, debate. Democrat & Chronicle, NY, 1 October 2003, 1,192 words, (English.) We ignored the first letter about the lice outbreak at our daughter's school, thinking that if she had head lice we'd know it.

Education highlights. News-Press, FL, 30 September 2003, 566 words, (English.)
Chemistry students at Canterbury are all too familiar with mosquitoes and the pests they can be when a can of Off! is out of reach.

Schools fail safety test, 42% of LAUSD campuses rated 'poor' but getting fixed. Los Angeles Daily News, 30 September 2003, 891 words, (English.) Forty-two percent of campuses in the Los Angeles Unified School District failed to comply with environmental health and safety regulations intended to prevent accidents and injuries to students and staffers.

Groups hit policies on lice. Times Union, FL, 30 September 2003, 880 words, (English.) Despite medical advisory, schools stick with mandate to send infested children home Leave it to a louse to spark a controversy. The pests known for infesting heads like gluey, legged grains of rice may be itchy and annoying.

Feeling lousy? You might have lice: Treatment may be more harmful than the pests, however. Vancouver Sun, Canada, 29 September 2003, 1,111 words, (English.) Lice. I had them, and my dad was horrified. He said it must have to do with the hygiene of my East Vancouver neighbourhood. The only time he got lice, he added, was when he was a political prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp.

Teachers, kids on alert for rattlesnakes. St. Petersburg Times, FL, 27 September 2003, 621 words, (English.) Sure, pioneers are known for braving frontiers and confronting unexpected threats along the way. But the Centennial Elementary Pioneers didn't bargain for this.

Cafeterias post ratings. Pacific Daily News, Guam, 25 September 2003, 731 words, (English.) Yesterday public schools started to comply with the law by posting their health ratings in their cafeterias.

A school in shambles / Hempstead failures detailed. Newsday, 25 September 2003, 666 words, (English.) It was deteriorating conditions that led Hempstead officials to close Prospect School the day before classes were to begin. Mold growing outside the cafeteria, a caved-in chimney and rodents were among the problems.

Liters of skeeters. Asbury Park Press, NJ, 24 September 2003, 894 words, (English.) When the next blood drive comes around, some high school athletes and fans can say they already gave at the game. A late wave of mosquitoes has driven some school athletic programs indoors.

School's out for many students on spray days. Waikato Times, New Zealand, 24 September 2003, 492 words, (English.) Hamilton schools are preparing for half-empty classrooms during aerial spraying against the asian gypsy moth. Almost three-quarters of one Hamilton school's roll aren't expected to show up when spraying starts.

Independence Middle gets environment award. The Palm Beach Post, FL, 24 September 2003, 400 words, (English.) In The Green Flag Program, clean living starts at school. Between Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, the national program that promotes environmental awareness and cleanliness in schools honored 14 institutions in nine states.

Head lice; Nuisance or threat? The Marion Star, OH, 20 September 2003, 833 words, (English.) It happens every year. A staggering 20 million Americans find out we live in a lousy world. The elementary schools in Marion will soon be working with the principals and school nurses to check the children for head lice.

Schools eye safe pest management. Bangor Daily News, ME, 20 September 2003, 411 words, (English.) Beginning this fall, all Maine schools will attempt to make their buildings safer by establishing integrated pest management policies focusing on prevention over pesticides.

Campaign launches national environmental program in schools. Green Flag Program, 19 September 2003, 1,083 words, (English.) Child Proofing Our Communities Campaign are presenting awards to fourteen schools at events across the nation this week. These events are part of the launch of the new Green Flag Program, a national initiative to help students take leadership on environmental issues within their schools. Full article.

States sue EPA for failing to protect children from pesticides. NYC Law Department, 19 September 2003, 975 words, (English.) New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey Attorney Generals have sued the federal EPA for failing to protect children from the risks of eating food containing excessive pesticide residues. Full article.

Pittsburgh school district makes the grade with IPM. Pennsylvania IPM Program, 18 September 2003, 924 words, (English.) With 36,000 students spread out over almost one hundred buildings, managing pests in and around those buildings could easily be an overwhelming challenge. The Pittsburgh School District's pest management program has shown a great deal of success, however, with a little help from IPM. Full article.

A lousy situation. U.S. News & World Report, 17 September 2003, 514 words, (English.) There will be no cooties in the Owen J. Roberts School District in Chester County, Pa., schools this year. The kids have just come back, but they won't be back for long if they have head lice.

Ready site for new school; Soil cleanup on horizon; Firm expects quick removal of contaminated ground. Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL, 17 September 2003, 661 words, (English.) A national engineering firm said it'll take a day or two to remove up to 800 tons of contaminated soil from land where the school district is building a new high school.

Indoor air a toxic soup, study says dangerous chemicals invade homes.
Calgary Herald, Canada, 16 September 2003, 731 words, (English.) In a study of 120 homes in Cape Cod, Mass., scientists found dozens of toxic chemicals in indoor air and dust, suggesting that exposure to potentially hormone-altering compounds is commonplace in North American homes.

State, others sue EPA, pesticide levels on food at issue. The Hartford Courant, CT, 16 September 2003, 743 words, (English.) Connecticut joined three other states and a coalition of environmentalists Monday in filing lawsuits that accuse the U.S. government of failing to protect children from dangerous pesticides on food.

Mass hysteria - or cover-up? Nottingham Evening Post, United Kingdom, 13 September 2003, 1,047 words, (English.) It looked like a battlefield - hundreds of youngsters and adults mysteriously blacked out. "There were children dropping like flies," said one witness.

Rabid bat turns up in elementary school. Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Canada, 12 September 2003, 232 words, (English.) Halton health officials are keeping close contact with students and teachers at an Oakville private school after a rabid bat was found in a washroom.

Big mosquitoes plague Jenks.
Tulsa World, OK, 11 September 2003, 649 words, (English.) Taylor Egbert, 9, closes his eyes as his soccer coach Joel McKell sprays him with insect repellant before soccer practice Wednesday at Jenks East Elementary School.

P-H-M mom upset after son is stung at Norhtpoint; School policy is to use non-chemical insect control if possible. South Bend Tribune, IN, 10 September 2003, 512 words, (English.) When Karen Leite picked her son up from Northpoint Elementary School last week after he was stung by wasps, she saw wasps' nests on the front of the building.

Spraying - plan to bus kids out. New Zealand Herald, 10 September 2003, 430 words, (English.) Parents at a primary school inside Hamilton's asian gypsy moth spray zone have offered to pay to bus their children away on spray days.

Don't be fooled by phony pest-control schemes. The Kansas City Star, 5 September 2003, 2,336 words, (English.) Don't be fooled by phony pest-control schemes claiming that exotic electro-magnets and ultrasound can rid your home of everything from rats to cockroaches.

Texas news briefs. Associated Press, 5 September 2003, 1,598 words, (English.) Health officials warned Thursday that a bug poison commonly used in the city's poorer neighborhoods could kill residents and their pets.

Veazie school ok's pest-control policy. Bangor Daily News, ME, 4 September 2003, 260 words, (English.) When pesticides or other chemicals are used to kill bugs at the Veazie Community School, several new policies will come into play, said Superintendent Thomas Perry.

Students to get growing. Daily Telegraph, Australia, 2 September 2003, 118 words, (English.) A group of Lisarow High School students are helping to preserve the natural and unique wetlands of the area as part of their school curriculum.

Creating healthy communities, healthy homes, healthy people: Initiating a research agenda on the built environment and public health. American Journal of Public Health, 1 September 2003, 4,493 words, (English.) Mounting evidence suggests physical and mental health problems relate to the built environment, including human-modified places such as homes, schools, workplaces, parks, industrial areas, farms, roads and highways.

Inside: Pesticide management. AS&U, 1 September 2003, 564 words, (English.) In California, 70 percent of the state's districts reported in 2002 that they have Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

Two rattlesnakes killed in Lake Oswego. The Oregonian, 28 August 2003, 635 words, (English.) The snakes were near a baseball field at Lakeridge High Linner Mishler was quite skeptical when two young men asked to use her cell phone so they could report a couple of rattlesnakes near Lakeridge High School.

US EPA launches indoor air quality design tools for schools. US EPA, 28 August 2003, (English.) New web-based resource contains recommendations and tools to help communities and design professionals integrate good indoor air quality practices into the design, construction, renovation, and operation and maintenance of K-12 school facilities.

Two urged to get shots after bats enter school; Animals first spotted in building last Tuesday. Charlotte Observer, NC, 26 August 2003, 591 words, (English.) County health officials have advised two students at Northwest School of the Arts to get rabies vaccinations after coming into contact with bats at the school.

Ready to go back to school? First, find out your safe surfing security rating.
Business Wire, 20 August 2003, 617 words, (English.) August is a busy month for families getting students ready to return to the hallowed halls.

Air quality in Lee County schools. News-Press, FL, 13 August 2003, 2,206 words, (English.) District not breathing easy; administrators play down problem, look for solutions as lawsuits, claims mount.

What to do if your child is sent home with lice. St. Petersburg Times, FL, 4 August 2003, 962 words, (English.) Don't panic. Head lice have been around for at least as long as cockroaches and are a nuisance, not a disease. Here are some tips: Treat your child with a pediculicide such as Rid, Nix, Lindane or Quell.

Childhood pesticide exposures on the Texas-Mexico border: clinical manifestations and poison center use. American Journal of Public Health, 1 August 2003, 5,343 words, (English.) The purpose of this study was to describe differences in childhood pesticide exposures between counties on the Texas-Mexico border and nonborder counties.

New year brings new head lice; Hair spray can help prevent it. The Florida Times-Union, 30 July 2003, 948 words, (English.) While shopping for school supplies, parents of elementary children may want to buy a jumbo can of hair spray. Clay County school officials, parents and hairdressers say a daily spritzing can help prevent head lice.

Soil near elementary school tests normal. Buffalo News, NY, 30 July 2003, 514 words, (English.) Test results are in, and they show no detectable contaminants in the soil at Holmes Elementary School in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District.

A Texas school is the first recipient of the new IPM Pride Award. Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, 28 July 2003, 248 words, (English.) A Texas school is the first recipient of the new IPM Pride Award, which will be awarded annually by the Southwest Technical Resource Center for IPM in Schools.

Use bait -- not liquid sprays -- to control ants. The Santa Fe New Mexican, 27 July 2003, 812 words, (English.) Question: My back lawn is infested with a small, red ant that when it bites leaves a terribly itchy welt with a pimple on top.

Pesticide spraying worries residents; Clearer alerts urged in mosquito fight. The Washington Post, 27 July 2003, 675 words, (English.) Many Manassas residents were surprised last week when a Prince William County pesticide truck cruised through their neighborhoods at dusk making a loud hissing sound while many people sat, talked and played outside.

Kids join ant battle. Albert & Logan News, Australia, 23 July 2003, 176 words, (English.) Logan school children are being recruited for the battle against the fire ant invasion. Member for Waterford Tom Barton said the Fire Ant Control Centre had begun a program to involve primary school children and their parents.

Sick buildings/ A special report: New building practices can clean indoor environments.
The Atlanta Journal - Constitution, 21 July 2003, 800 words, (English.) Emory University's new $40 million Math and Science Center has a planetarium, a rooftop classroom and an observatory. It doesn't have that new-building smell.

School: Fresh air, fresh ideas. Associated Press, 21 July 2003, 927 words, (English.) For school officials in many districts, indoor air quality boils down to one simple issue: if you can't breathe, you can't learn.

Landscape seminar at Orono High School. Bangor Daily News, ME, 19 July 2003, 79 words, (English.) The Maine School Integrated Pest Management Program will hold a turf and landscape management seminar from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 22, at the Orono High School soccer field.

Lane County, Ore., studies 'last resort' herbicide use. The Register Guard, OR, 17 July 2003, 543 words, (English.) Using herbicide sprays on county-owned property -- including alongside the county's 1,500 miles of roads -- could become the method of last resort for controlling noxious vegetation in two weeks.

Town receieves pesticide grant. The Boston Globe, 17 July 2003, 1,650 words, (English.) The town's Office of Community and Economic Development and Board of Health received a $12,000 grant from the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Would bats benefit Warren? Councilman has plan to foil mosquitoes, but it may not fly. Detroit Free Press, 10 July 2003, 718 words, (English.) City Councilman Jim Fouts would like Warren to add another tool to its mosquito-killing arsenal: bats. Fears of West Nile virus have forced many communities to spend thousands of dollars to eliminate the summer mosquitoes that carry it.

California Senate panel swats schools pesticide ban. The Sacramento Bee, CA, 2 July 2003, 842 words, (English.) Legislation to prohibit dozens of toxic pesticides from being used in California public schools was shelved Tuesday by a Senate committee.

Emotiveness hampers progress in pest-animal debate. Canberra Times, Australia, 1 July 2003, 767 words, (English.) Better solutions, including those based on fertility control, need to be found to deal more effectively with the problem.