Pesticide Notification Legislation

We still don't know what causes breast cancer. There are many theories floating around, and all acknowledge that a mutation in the BRCA genes leads to greater familial risk, but for the majority of women diagnosed, there is no hard and fast reason for their cancer. One of the issues being looked at closely is environmental factors. On Long Island, where I live, we have the highest incidence of breast cancer per capita. New York State undertook a mapping program, which lists patients by zip code. (Problem with this study is that where you live when you are diagnosed does not mean that is where you lived when you began to grow your cancer cells). There are studies about high-tension wires, ground water, and pesticides. Whether any of these environmental factors contribute to breast cancer is not certain, but if we can do a little something to cut the risk, why not try?

The New York State Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law, which went into effect July 1, 2001, requires schools and day care centers to provide notification prior to and post application of certain pesticides. The law will let the various state counties require notification of neighbors 48 hours before the application of non-exempt commercial lawn pesticides. Pesticides which are exempt include boric acic, solid pesticides, bio-pesticides, non-volatile baits, horticultural soap and oil. Several counties in New York have already opted in to this legislation. They include: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Albany.

This legislation is supported by environmental groups, breast cancer activists, children's health advocates and members of the public sector who are concerned about the effect of pesticides on our health. Naturally, the pesticide industry is lobbying against this resolution. Pesticides have been linked with headaches, nausea, dizzy spells, respiratory problems, neuropathy, reproductive concerns and cancer. Children and infants are particularly susceptible.

Notification includes location of the application, scheduled date and rain dates, the names of the pesticides to be applied, the company performing the service and an information hotline phone number. Advance notice allows you to close windows, keep children and pets indoors, remove outdoor toys and furniture (or cover them), cover plants, birdfeeders or even leave the premises if you choose. You are not required to do any of the above, but isn't it nice to know you have the choice, if you are properly notified?

Pest control is not restricted by this law. They can still take care of termites, ants, ticks, mosquitoes. Once the community becomes aware of what is used in their neighborhood and how often, hopefully many communities will try to establish organic controls, such as the "I Am Fed Naturally" program.

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