At least one pesticide was found in each of 168 daycare centers tested in a recent study by EPA’s National Exposure Research Laboratory. While noting that concentrations found were generally low, researcher Nicolle Tulve did stress that there no health advisories or national standards currently exist for such exposure levels. Researchers tested for 39 pesticides, and 63% of the centers reported applying up to 10 different insectides. In the past decade, some states have started regulating pesticides in daycare facilities. In 2000, Massachusetts passed a law requiring all schools to submit integrated pest-management plans to limit children’s contact with pesticides. [Environmental Science & Technology]
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