SAFER SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT CHILDREN

Tuesday, 05 November 2002 10:00

Safer Solutions is being launched by the Hon. John Watkins, Minister for Education and Training at North Ryde Public school on Thursday 7th of November, 2002.

"Safer Solutions brings urban pest management into the 21st century. It explains the benefits of a pesticide free environment, shows how to implement a chemical-free pest control program, and gives detailed information on how to manage common pests using integrated pest management (IPM)," said Ms Jo Immig author of the book.

"The Safer Solutions project was supported by a grant from the NSW Environmental Trust. It is a free resource and will be distributed to every school and childcare centre in NSW. It is available as a printed book and on the web".

"We must reduce pesticides in children's environments as they are at much greater risk of health effects from exposure to pesticides because their bodies are still developing Their activities mean they are also more likely to come into contact with pesticide contaminated surfaces".

"TEC focussed on developing safer solutions for schools and childcare centres because that's where children spend a great deal of their time. Unfortunately high-risk pesticides, which are not generally assessed for their effects on children, are still being used in many Australian schools and childcare centres".

"While other countries, such as the USA, have adopted legislation to outlaw dangerous pesticides in schools, Australian governments have been slow off the mark".

"Safer Solutions gives schools and childcare centers an effective and safer option. IPM is best practice pest control and is in keeping with the environmentally sustainable management of schools and environmental education programs," said Ms Immig.

Jerry Coleby-Williams from the ABC's Gardening Australia Show will be attending the launch of Safer Solutions on Thursday 7th of November, 9:30 am at North Ryde Public School. North Ryde Public School has a successful IPM program.