PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM PESTICIDES
It is difficult to comprehend that local councils across Australia and other countries are still insistent on continuing the use of the weed killer glyphosate in children’s parks, playgrounds, daycare centres, schools and sports fields, despite a World Health Organisation warning that the chemical is carcinogenic and probably causes cancer.
These are all places we happily send our children off to each day, with the peace of mind that they are free to enjoy life, play, learn, thrive, and grow in total safety. However the continual and persistent spraying of poisonous pesticides, in and around our young ones environments can put our children in the firing line, by exposing them to some extremely dangerous chemicals, just when their developing bodies are at their most vulnerable.
Spray from pesticides can be carried by the wind, entering class rooms and settling on desks, books, counters and walls. Children and teachers then become susceptible to breathing in polluted air and touching contaminated surfaces, unknowingly exposing themselves to chemical residues.
Glyphosate was originally trade marked as “Roundup” and is commonly used by households, farms and local councils.
Last year, the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) upgraded its assessment of the common herbicide from “possibly” to “probably carcinogenic to humans.
New South Wales insurance body “State Cover” has warned local councils to investigate other options to control weeds. Urging them to take a more vigilant approach, and fully explore their use of glyphosate and other hazardous chemicals utilised for weed control.
Public safety lawyers are also warning local councils, that future claims could be held against them by council workers, should they developed significant health complications as a result of handling the product.
In the past we have simply ignored the signs of products we were warned could prove dangerous to our health, such as asbestos, and years later thousands of victims have potentially made a claim for their pain and suffering.
Several councils around the country have been trialling alternative methods of killing weeds and have found that steam treatment has proved to be more effective than herbicides. However it is a slightly more expensive method than pesticide. That said, you can not put a price on your children’s health, and as a society, I don’t think we have a choice to ignore this danger any longer!
Parents, communities and organisations are now striking out and finding ways to make schools safer for growing children. Progress includes pesticide use reduction in school buildings, buffer zones to protect children from spraying in nearby fields, and support for safer pest control methods in and near schools and playgrounds. So be aware of the dangers and don’t be afraid to ask your local council, schools and daycare centres exactly what there policies are on weed control, what they use and when they are due to spray!
Educate yourself against these dangers so that in turn you can protect your children from these harmful chemicals.