By Dorothy Arroyo House Bill is a bill that would stop pesticides from being used in areas
where children play. I am in support of this bill because of its hazard preventative measures to ensures the health of children. Those who oppose this bill think it's unnecessary and unwise because children are exposed to pesticides in other settings and their risk to experience pest related harm could be heightened. I want to highlight the hazard I believe pesticides hold and how valuable it is to limit use around children. Pesticides are a hazard in the sense that they are made to kill in a short amount of time. Former Pediatric Doctor J. Routt makes the comparison that both pesticides and HIV aim to kill t-cells. T-cells help serve the immune system, and without their function leads to illness and death. Of course, pesticides effectively eliminate pests. High dose-response tests on rats show that pesticides kill rats. Though pesticides at low doses can't kill humans, pesticide poisoning can still occur. What we have yet to find out it is how low dose-response over time affects humans. Doctor Routt worked with children as his patients for over 30 years. He saw and is familiar with what pesticide poisoning looks like. Furthermore, he has seen what chronic pesticide poisoning has turned into. Children who are exposed to pesticides early on experience asthmatic symptoms, developmental delays, and immune system disorders. Keep in mind children can be exposed to pesticides before they leave the womb. Those who argue limitation of pesticides is unnecessary is putting children's health at risk. Pesticides are poisonous and harmful, and the more we can prevent exposure, the better for the long-term health hazards. In the short-term regular pesticides decrease the presence of harmful insects and rodent. This protects children from insect and rodent related wounds and allergic reactions. However, there are safer options than pesticides. Organic pest management practices are thought to be expensive, but over time saves money for the community. Use of natural oils and irrigation of dirt is as effective as poisonous pesticides and the latent ingredient are not made specifically to attack immune systems and kill animals. House Bill 399 is a step towards avoiding causing harm to children. The bill will not eliminate all risks and exposures to pesticides, however it will lessen the direct exposures starting at a young age. There is not a whole lot we know about pesticides and how they will affect us inn 30 years. What I do know is it's unnecessary to poison children starting from a young age, only to be the cause of permanently damaged and weakened immune systems. I support House Bill 399 because it's a bill that will help prevent future harm to humans. Pesticides may not be the number one harm to humans, but there is no evidence that says it's helping human health.
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AuthorsStudents and faculty from classes on Environmental Governance and Environmental Law at Keene State College are the authors of these posts. We also invite guest authors when appropriate. Archives
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NH Science for Citizens
Department of Environmental Studies Keene State College Keene, NH 03431 A project of students and faculty at Keene State College in collaboration with local NH state representatives.
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