Impact of integrated pest management (IPM) training on reducing pesticide exposure in Illinois childcare centers

Children, mainly infants, are especially vulnerable to pesticides, as a result of physiological factors which facilitate absorption of chemicals and limit the ability to detoxify and eliminate them. Moreover, children exhibit mouthing activity with pesticide contaminated objects. Therefore, the rapid course of growth and development creates a time-frame of unique vulnerability, where exposed children are prone to develop delayed neurotoxic brain disorders. Parents, childcare workers and staff are generally untrained in using pesticides and may not follow instructions or consider safer alternatives in efforts to provide a sanitary pest-free environment. A survey of 3364 Illinois childcare centers was conducted to assess the direct and indirect impact of a formal integrated pest management (IPM) Train-the-Trainer program implemented by a non-governmental organization to childcare centers and supervisory agencies over a 3-year period. This survey determined that the training increased the level of confidence, positive attitudes (easy, controls pests, efficient) and implementation of IPM by childcare providers. Childcare staff was motivated primarily by how IPM protects children's health from exposure to pesticides, in which neurotoxic substances may play a major role. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.