A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances for controlling, or destroying, any pest (insects, plants, fungi, or rodents). Types of pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides. Children can come in contact with pesticides throughout their day in air, food, water, dust, and soil. Children can also come in contact with pesticides that land on surfaces through lawn and garden application, or are used on nearby agriculture or golf courses. Teen workers may have occupational exposures on the farm or in garden care. At home, children can be exposed to pesticides through household pesticide use (like cleaning and disinfecting products), or application to pets (like flea treatment). Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to harmful health effects from exposure to pesticides.

The Good News: Families and communities can take simple steps to reduce children’s exposure to pesticides.

1 Billion

Pounds of pesticides are used in the U.S. each year (from Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center).

90%

Percent of pesticide exposure that occurs through the skin (from Oklahoma State University).

79%

percent increase in organic farms (farms that do not use synthetic pesticides) in the U.S. from 2011 to 2021 (from Organic Produce Network).

References:

Pesticides (from Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center)
Pesticide Applicator Certification Series: Toxicity of Pesticides (from Oklahoma State University).
Organic farmland gains ground across the U.S. (from Organic Produce Network)

In Your Environment

What to Look For

Actions to Take

How Can Families or Communities Lower Children’s Exposure to Pesticides and Pest Control?

Families and communities can take simple actions to reduce children’s exposure to pesticides. Below are some examples:
- Use a doormat and remove shoes before entering the home to reduce pollutants carried inside.
- Buy organic food when possible, but not at the expense of a diet rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Wash or peel produce before eating it, especially if it’s one of the “dirty dozen.”
- Clean your home frequently: use soap, microfiber cloths/mops and a HEPA filter vacuum (vacuums without HEPA filters may spread fine dust around even more!).
- Minimize sanitizers and disinfectants. If you need them, choose from the EPA Safer Choice list.
- If you work with pesticides, wear coveralls and change out of work clothes at the worksite to avoid contaminating your vehicle and home.
  - Wash work clothes in hot water separately from your family’s.
  - Shower as soon as you get home and before playing with your kids.
- Don’t use pesticides in your home or on your lawn or garden unless absolutely necessary.
  - Adopt Integrated Pest Management practices that stop pests before they even enter your home. Examples include frequently cleaning crumbs, stopping leaks, plugging holes under your doors or walls, and storing food in sealed containers where pests cant get them.
  - Avoid using pesticide sprays, total release foggers or bug “bombs.” Use traps instead.
  - Always store pesticides in the containers they come in and keep them in locked cabinets. Don’t leave pesticides within the reach of children. If you do use a pesticide, read the label and follow the directions for use.
  - When using topical pesticides or dips for treating pets for fleas/ticks, thoroughly wash hands after use. Keep children away from pets after applying flea control medicines until dried or as advised on label.
  - For treating lice, over the counter 1% permethrin or pyrethrins can be used with careful attention to instructions.

What Can Schools or Childcare Centers Do to Lower Children’s Exposure to Pesticides and Pest Control?

School or childcare center administrators can work with local public health officials if they experience (or suspect) pesticide drift from spraying in nearby fields/farms.

Keep schools and centers free of dust and dirt that can contain pesticide residues and practice frequent hand washing with children, especially before eating.
Do not let children use disinfecting wipes.
Avoid spraying pesticides especially where there are carpets or soft fabrics.
Baits/traps/gels leave less residue. Never use total release foggers or bug “bomb” style pesticide applications.
If professional pest control is used, ensure the company is licensed and ask for the name, ingredients and toxicity of the products they will be using.
- Preferably hire a company familiar with Integrated Pest Management/least toxic methods.
For treating lice, over the counter 1% permethrin or pyrethrins can be used with careful attention to instructions.