Agricultural Pesticide Use Near Public Schools in California
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Focus Areas
Chronic Disease Prevention, Environmental Health, Women, Youth & Children -
Issues
School-based Efforts -
Expertise
Research – Quantitative -
Programs
Tracking California
California agriculture produces nearly half of all fruits and vegetables grown in the Unites States. These foods are essential components of a healthy diet and help promote public health here and throughout the country. However, agricultural production frequently relies on the application of pesticides that, under some circumstances, can be hazardous to human health. Compared with adults, children are more susceptible to the effects of pesticide exposure.
Because of the potential public health risks to children, PHI's Tracking California conducted a study to examine the use of agricultural pesticides near public schools in 15 agricultural counties in California for 2010. The study yielded new information about the types and amounts of pesticides applied near public schools and identified disparities among children attending schools near the most pesticide use.
This information has been used to help guide policies, research, and other efforts to reduce potential pesticide exposures among schoolchildren. The results of this study are described in the report Agricultural Pesticide Use Near Public Schools in California.
PHI's Tracking California (formerly the California Environmental Health Tracking Program) compiles, analyzes, and shares data to identify and understand pollution and disease. Tracking California helps communities, government agencies, researchers, and health advocates use data to take action in order to reduce pollution and improve health.
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