"Integrated pest management [IPM] is an increasingly useful approach to minimizing pesticide use while providing long-term pest control. It integrates both chemical and non-chemical methods to provide the least toxic alternative for pest control" (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1999). Traditional pest control has relied heavily on pesticides as the first plan of attack. IPM differs in that it does not automatically rely on pesticide application. Schools should adopt an official IPM statement to serve as a guide for the process of development, implementation, and evaluation of a program. If no IPM program exists, a committee should be organized to develop a program.

For more information on IPM in schools, the Environmental Protection Agency has the following resources available: Pest Control in School Environments: Adopting Integrated Pest Management is a brochure that identifies ways for schools to reduce dependence on pesticides in school buildings and landscapes and discusses alternative methods for managing pests commonly found in schools. To order a free copy, call (800) 490-9198. EPA's web site on IPM in schools that provides information on EPA's efforts to reduce children's exposure to pesticide use in schools. A national directory of IPM in schools web sites created to assist individuals with finding specific information about each state IPM program, as well as appropriate IPM state contacts is available at: http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/ipm_org.htm. Other EPA publications include: Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings Pesticides and Food: What You and Your Family Need to Know Ten Tips to Prevent Pesticide and Lead Poisonings Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety To order free copies of the publications listed above, call (800) 490-9198.

The EPA has banned, or phased out the use of two older pesticides that do not provide an adequate margin of protection for children. Chlorpyrifos - On June 8, 2000, the EPA announced an agreement with chemical manufacturers to phase out the home and garden uses of this insecticide by the end of the year, but the agreement will allow existing stocks to be depleted. It will continue to be used on all foods (except tomatoes), golf courses, green houses, mosquitos, and for fire ant control. New home treatment for termites with chlorpyrifos will continue until December of 2005. More information Diazinon - The EPA has recently banned over-the-counter sales of the insecticide Diazinon. However, individuals may not be aware of this and may continue to use their inventories in homes and schools. The EPA has not yet eliminated all uses of Diazinon. More information These chemicals should not be placed in the trash. Any inventories should be taken to a hazardous waste facility for disposal.

General First Aid Guidelines For Pesticide Exposure: Swallowed poison. Induce vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel on the phone tell you to do so. It will depend on what the child has swallowed; some petroleum products or caustic poisons will cause more damage if the child is made to vomit. Always keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand (1 ounce for each child in the household) to use to induce vomiting if recommended by emergency personnel. Be sure the date is current. Poison in eye. Eye membranes absorb pesticides faster than any other external part of the body; eye damage can occur in a few minutes with some types of pesticides. If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean running water from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes. If possible, have someone else contact a Poison Control Center for you while the victim is being treated. Do not use eye drops or chemicals or drugs in the wash water. Poison on skin. If pesticide splashes on the skin, drench area with water and remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it separately from other laundry. Inhaled poison. Carry or drag victim to fresh air immediately. If you think you need protection such as a respirator and one is not available to you, call the fire department and wait for emergency equipment before entering the area. Loosen victim's tight clothing. If the victim's skin is cyanotic or the victim has stopped breathing, give artificial respiration and call rescue service for help. Open doors and windows so no one else will be poisoned by fumes. Additional pesticide product information can be obtained from the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) at (800) 858-7378. NPTN is a toll-free information service operated seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m, PST (9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. EST) , excluding holidays. E-mail | Web site. Also at NPTN is the National Antimicrobial Information Network (NAIN) which provides informationabout antimicrobial products - sanitizers, disinfectants, and sterilands. Telephone 1-800-447-6349, 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m, PST excluding holidays. FAX: 1-541-737-0761. E-mail | Web site | Mailing address: NAIN, Oregon State University, 333 Weniger Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6502.