May 01, 2007 — By California Safe Schools

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — On Monday April 30, at Charles H. Kim Elementary, California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrated the 8th Year Anniversary of the Los Angeles Unified School District's groundbreaking Integrated Pest Management policy called IPM. This policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools, stresses least-toxic methods of pest control, and has become a national and international model.

Joining the celebration and presentation of special awards by CSS to Los Angeles Unified Board Member Julie Korenstein and Director of Environmental Health & Safety Angelo Bellomo were Steven John, LA Office Director, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Javier Hinojosa of the California Department of Toxic Substance and Control, as well as other officials.

California Safe Schools is a grassroots children's environmental health Organization formed by parents who witnessed their children walk through a toxic cloud of insecticide at an LAUSD campus nine years ago. Founded by activist Robina Suwol, CSS has gained a national reputation for its effective education of parents, schools, and elected officials about protecting children from toxins.

"It takes a village - and several bureaucracies! - to protect children's health," said Suwol, Executive Director of CSS. "I am so pleased to see how far we have come and grateful that so many school districts, communities, and government officials have contacted us for assistance in replicating our policy and protocol. All children everywhere deserve the protection of IPM."

IPM is an inherently sustainable method using low risk measures to eliminate pest and weeds. The CSS policy adopted by LAUSD was the first in the United States to embrace the Precautionary Principle and Right to Know about pesticides used on school campuses. To ensure implementation, the policy includes an IPM Oversight Committee. The fifteen member team which has met monthly for almost a decade, includes parents, environmentalists, community members, teacher, principal, physician, school staff, County Health Representative and an "independent IPM expert."

"As a physician who practices Environmental and Preventive Medicine, I appreciate LA Unified's groundbreaking Integrated Pest Management Policy," said Dr. Cathie Lippman. I've enjoyed serving on the LA Unified oversight IPM Team, and often cite the successful program for understanding the link between health and the environment. Happy 8th Year Anniversary!"

Last month CSS and its founder Robina Suwol were honored by Volvo of North America, and the US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 for their "Outstanding Achievement " to protect human health and the environment.

Contact Info:

Robina Suwol
Executive Director, California Safe Schools
Tel : 818-785-5515

Website : California Safe Schools

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