X-POST: Pesticide spraying at school

April 16, 2009

My son attends a public school in Huntington Beach. He is heavy metal toxic

(arsenic, aluminium, lead, mercury, alcohol, and more). Before Easter

break, I was informed the school would be using SpeedZone and RoundUp for

some weed and pest control. I asked the principal of the school if she knew

these chemicals were unsafe and I asked her to hold the spraying until we

parents were provided with adequate documentation indicating the chemicals

were safe for children, let alone children who are toxic with heavy metals.

The principal indicated the spraying would NOT commence and she gave me a

contact at the district who " handles " this stuff. I sent him an e-mail

BEFORE the break. He did not get back to me.

After returning to school this week, I see a notice posted that the school

sprayed for termites last Thursday and Friday. NO NOTICE was given to the

parents NOR did anyone ever return my call or e-mail. I called the district

contact yesterday and sent another e-mail and have yet to receive a

response.

Now, while it could be the *change of schedule*, to which my son is

reacting, but he has been truly unlike himself this week. Huge tantrums,

kicking, hitting, yelling, and more - this is not his " regular " behaviors.

I am wondering as he is detox-challenged, if the most recent pesticide

spraying has affected him.

Anyone have experience with this issue? ANY and ALL help is appreciated.

Concerned Mom...Elena

--

Elena

Proud Mom of Zachary

*Chick-fil-A* at the Tustin Legacy at the District (Jamboree and Barranca,

off 405 Fwy.) on *April 25th* will be donating 100% of proceeds to Talk

About Curing Autism. They have great GFCF menu items!!!

http://www.faitheforzachary.blogspot.com

" Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in

knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of

becoming. "

R. Wooden, Head Basketball Coach, Emeritus, UCLA (1948-1975)

April 16, 2009

We dealt with this problem in Illinois. The elementary school sprayed the

playing fields several years ago without giving proper notice as required

under state law. I complained to the Illinois dept of agriculture, which

regulates the use of pesticides in Illinois, and they actually found the

school district in violation and fined them. Then a few like-minded parents

attended monthly meetings of the school board and bombarded them with

information demonstrating how dangerous these chemicals are. They were

quite resistant at first but finally came around - particularly after the

mother of a child who had just died of cancer appeared before them and

pleaded with them. They haven't exactly banned pesticides but have

instructed the maintenance people to do everything possible to avoid their

use, and to only use them as a last resort and then only with special

permission of the school board. We actually have a committee now of a few

concerned parents and the grounds maintenance people and after initial

resistance and grumpiness, I have to say they've really taken to it! The

head of maintenance attended a chemical-free turf maintenance seminar and

got a certificate which he proudly displayed at the last meeting. I think

he realizes that this experience greatly enhances his professional resume,

and he's working hard at maintaining the turf without chemicals. He's

actually become quite good at it!

Dean

_____

From: [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Elena

Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 5:10 PM

AISOCAL; ; taca-usa

Subject: [ ] X-POST: Pesticide spraying at school