State Banning Certain Pesticides Near Schools And Daycares

Sacramento, CA — The California Department of Pesticide Regulation will be implementing a new rule come January 1st.

The Associated Press reports that farmers will be prohibited from spraying a variety of pesticides within a quarter mile of public k-12 schools and licensed daycare centers, between 6am-6pm, on school days. It restricts nearby use of fumigants and pesticides by aircraft, and requires growers to tell schools what types of pesticides they will be using in the nearby fields.

The AP notes that agricultural groups are arguing that the rules are unnecessary, because there are very rarely any concerns or problems reported about pesticides near schools. Regulators counter that it ensures the protection of students from undesirable pesticide exposure.