IPM LAWS = HEALTHIER SCHOOLS

2007 Amendment to 1999 Schools IPM Law

Due largely to the efforts of Safer Pest Control Project, Illinois passed two laws in 1999 that require public schools to adopt safer methods of pest control inside school buildings. Now, in 2007, SPCP was instrumental in passage of an amendment to strengthen those laws.

As of August 2007, districts are required to adopt AND implement an IPM program when economically feasible. If filing an exemption for economic reasons, at least one staff member must be trained on Integrated Pest Management practices within one year of filing. Exemptions must be renewed every year. Districts must also notify parents and school staff of broadcast pesticide application both inside and outside school buildings.

Nationwide, schools and parents are increasingly concerned about the dangers of pesticide use in schools and have supported similar legislation in states across the country.

Parents and community members can help school districts improve their pest control practices by contacting the district and encouraging them to implement an Integrated Pest Management program, and to notify parents and employees before using pesticides. School administrators will be more conscious of their pest control policy if they know parents are concerned about the issue.

Working together, we can protect children from pesticides.

Click here to get your copy of the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act .

Chicago Public Schools DIY: Train Your Staff on IPM*

NEW - PowerPoint slides and a script to help you train your staff.

You've attended IPM training and now you'd like to clue the rest of the school staff in on how they can help make IPM a success at your school. SPCP has developed this easy to use PowerPoint presentation and script to help you do just that.

Use the entire presentation or just a portion to suit your needs. There are also links to factsheets that you can print and copy to hand out.

The script includes basic instructions on how to use this tool and how to receive incentives for completing a staff training.


Download CPS Staff IPM Presentation Script

Download CPS Staff IPM PowerPoint Presentation

Download Factsheet CPS IPM for Teachers

*Other districts can contact SPCP for a "generic" version of the script and presentation.

Integrated Pest Management Workshops for Illinois Schools

Administrator Academy & CPDU credits available

Safer Pest Control Project has partnered with the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training to school districts around the state.

Recommended for administrators and maintenance staff, these workshops will cover the basics of developing and implementing an IPM program for your school or district.

For more details on currently scheduled training or to book a workshop for your school, district or ROE please visit http://www.spcpweb.org/training or contact Ruth Kerzee at 773-878-7378 ext. 204

PESTICIDES IN SCHOOLS

Schools have a responsibility to provide safe and healthy learning environments. Does your child’s school use dangerous pesticides? Consider this:

 Children are especially vulnerable and disproportionately exposed to pesticides.

 Pesticides have been linked to cancer, reproductive, neurological, behavioral and immunological disorders, as well as asthma.

 Alternative methods of pest control, such as Integrated Pest Management, are often more effective and, over time, less expensive than chemical pesticides.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is common-sense pest control that combines preventive techniques, non-chemical pest control, and the appropriate use of pesticides with preferences for products that are the least harmful to human health and the environment.

IPM in Schools

Public Act 91-0525

This law requires Illinois public schools to adopt an integrated pest management program to control indoor pests at the facility. Districts must also notify parents and staff at least two days before indoor application of pesticides. Districts can be granted an exemption from using IPM if they can prove it is too costly. No schools are exempt from notifying parents and staff prior to indoor pesticide use.

view law

Effective date: August 1, 2000

Parents Right-to-Know of Outdoor Use of Pesticides

Public Act 91-0099

This law requires Illinois Public Schools to notify parents and staff at least two days prior to application of pesticides on school grounds, athletic fields and lawns. No schools are exempt from notifying parents and staff prior to outdoor pesticide use.

view law

Effective date: July 9, 1999