Pesticides are a city problem - no kidding

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Subject:     IPesticides are a city problem - no kidding
     Date:  4/25/2004
    From:     Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com) (www.thebestcontrol.com)

To:     Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
          Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation 

Daily News <http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ideas_opinions/story/185683p-160881c.html>

Pesticides are a city problem - no kidding By MARCIA BYSTRYN Wednesday, April 21st, 2004

Tomorrow is Earth Day, always a time to think about the quality of the air our children breathe and the water they drink. It's also a time to consider the grass they play on. Too many kids have become sick from contact with the pesticides sprayed near their homes, schools, playgrounds or parks.

Pesticide application may seem like a marginal issue for New Yorkers. In fact, the city has the highest level of pesticide use in the entire state. Spraying occurs in green spaces throughout the city, especially on the lawns of single-family homes in Queens and on Staten Island.

Pesticides can cause acute health problems such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, seizures and asthma attacks. They also can lead to long-term brain damage, hormone disruption, reproductive disorders and cancer.

This Earth Day, we are asking the City Council to take action on pesticides. Two measures are being introduced: the Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law and the New York City Pesticide Reduction Bill.

Is this more government overregulation that will lead to ugly lawns and an increase in pests?

Not at all. The measures are just aimed at ensuring that everyone is fully informed when spraying takes place near them and at encouraging the government's use of effective, nontoxic pesticide alternatives.

The Neighbor Notification Law is a state statute that New York City would be opting into. The law requires lawn-care companies to provide 48 hours' notice of spraying to neighbors within 150 feet. This allows people to take common-sense precautions, such as bringing pets, garden furniture and play equipment inside to minimize exposure to hazardous pesticides.

Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and other counties already have opted into the law. New York City should follow suit.

The Pesticide Reduction Bill would require city agencies to use nontoxic methods for pest control whenever possible and the least toxic alternatives in all other cases. The law contains exemptions for pesticides used to maintain safe drinking water and rodent control and for health emergencies. The bill also requires city agencies to post notice of pesticide applications so residents living nearby can take necessary precautions.

By passing these laws, the Council will help ensure that by the next Earth Day, New York is still a city with plenty of greenery - and safer and healthier children.

Bystryn is the executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

 

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