Bill Would Restrict Use of Lawn Pesticides
TRENTON: Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer) that would protect children and families from the dangers of lawn pesticides was approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
“Going out to play or heading to the local baseball or softball field should not be an exercise in getting sick from chemicals. For too long our children have been exposed to these kinds of pesticides and the dangers that come with them. There is simply no justification for that. This bill would help correct that and provide safety measures for kids and their families,” said Turner.
The bill, S-2610, bans the use of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any child care center, any school and on any playground or recreational field, except as an emergency response to an immediate threat to human health. The bill would define a “lawn care pesticide” as any pesticide labeled, designed, or intended for use on lawns, gardens, turf or ornamental plantings.
The legislation would also direct the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, to adopt rules and regulations concerning pesticide application, record keeping, and staff and parental notification procedures at child care centers with the goal of mitigating potential health risks to young children.
The bill passed 5-0 and now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.