Safer
Pest
Control
ProjecT

Board of Directors

Julie Elena Brown

President

Jo Patton

Vice-President

Adam Bottner

Secretary

Jean D. Lachowicz

Treasurer

Nanette Flynn

Keith Harley

Victoria Persky, M.D.

Susan Plassmeyer

Julie Samuels

Sandra Thomas, M.D. M.S.

Senate Bill 1079: Bill Summary

Senate Bill 1079 extends current laws governing pesticide use in schools to include licensed child care facilities. Under Senate Bill 1079, the Child Care Act would be amended to require that licensed child cares notify parents two days prior to pesticide applications. Notice of pesticide applications could not be given more than 30 days prior to the application of pesticides. Under SB1079 pesticides could not be applied when children are present at the facility, toys and other items mouthed or handled by children would be removed from the area before pesticides are applied, and children would not return to the treated area within two hours of a pesticide application. For purposes of this section, pesticides shall not include (i) antimicrobial agents, such as disinfectant, sanitizer, or deodorizer, or (ii) insecticide baits and rodenticide baits.

Senate Bill 1079 would amend the Structural Pest Control Act to require licensed day cares to practice Integrated Pest Management. The amendment to the Structural Pest Control Act simply extends Integrated Pest Management requirements currently required of schools to licensed child cares. The Bill allows child care facilities to opt out of the IPM requirement if it is not economically feasible by providing written notification to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines preventive techniques, nonchemical pest control methods, and the appropriate use of pesticides with preference for products that are the least harmful to human health and the environment. If SB1079 is passed, children in daycares would be protected from unnecessary exposure to pests and pesticides. Parents have a right to know if toxic chemicals are going to be used around their children. With parental notification procedures in places, parents of children with asthma or other sensitivities can take additional steps to reduce exposure. In addition, it enables health care providers to identify reactions that may occur due to pesticide exposures. Notification requirements also act to encourage the use of pest control measures and products that do not involve exposure by children and do not require notification.

Just as school age children are protected from unnecessary exposure to pesticides, children in licensed day cares should be also be protected. Younger children are more susceptible to the adverse health impacts associated with pesticide exposure; therefore, it is especially important to limit their exposures. By requiring Integrated Pest Management in licensed day cares and parental notification when pesticides are applied, children in day cares will be better protected from exposure to these hazardous chemicals.