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Protecting Children From Pesticides

TODDLERS GET INTO EVERYTHING – AND THAT CAN GET THEM INTO TROUBLE, ESPECIALLY IF TOXICS ARE IN EASY REACH. LEARN HOW TO PREVENT PESTICIDE POISONINGS ON THIS ENVIRONMINUTE.

ANNE LINDSAY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S PESTICIDE PROGRAM SAYS MANY ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURES COULD BE AVOIDED IF PARENTS SIMPLY KEPT POISONS LOCKED UP.

LINDSAY: WE’VE ACTUALLY DONE SURVEYS TO SHOW THAT OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE, ALMOST HALF OF THEM HAVE PESTICIDES STORED IN PLACES THAT WOULD BE IN REACH OF KIDS.

CHILDREN’S DEVELOPING BODIES ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO PESTICIDE EXPOSURES, SO LINDSAY ALSO SUGGESTS MINIMIZING YOUR USE OF TOXICS.  THERE ARE MANY NATURAL PEST CONTROL METHODS YOU CAN TRY INSTEAD.

THESE PRECAUTIONS WILL HELP KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE.  BUT IF AN EXPOSURE STILL OCCURS, CALL THE POISON CONTROL CENTER AT 1-800-222-1222.

THE ENVIRONMINUTE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE HEINZ FAMILY PHILANTHROPIES AND THE HEINZ ENDOWMENTS.  LEARN MORE BY VISITING ENVIRONMINUTE-DOT-COM. 

To learn more, visit the EPA.