Protecting Children from Pesticides
Pesticides can be useful around your home and
garden, but they also can be dangerous if used
carelessly or if not stored properly and out of
the reach of children.
When the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency surveyed American households they
found that:
• Almost half of all homes with children under
the age of 5 had at least one pesticide stored
in an unlocked cabinet within a child’s reach
— that is, within 4 feet of the ground.
• About 75 percent of households without
children under age 5 also stored pesticides in
an unlocked cabinet within a child’s reach.
• More than one in 10 pesticide poisonings
happens in homes other than the
child’s home
Creating a safer
home
- Teach children how to recognize and stay
away from all poisonous materials, whether
garden pesticides, household cleaners, or
prescription drugs.
- Always use household products in child-resistant. And use the packaging
properly by closing the container tightly after
you are done.
- Put away pesticides immediately after use. If
you are using a pesticide or other household
chemical and are interrupted (perhaps by
a phone call), stop to properly close the
container and remove it from a child’s reach.
- Before applying pesticides (indoors or out),
always take children and their toys, as well as
pets, out of the area. Keep them away until
the pesticide has dried or as long as the
label advises
- When applying insect repellents to children,
read all directions first; do not apply over
cuts, wounds or irritated
skin; do not apply to eyes,
mouth, hands or directly
on the face. Use just
enough to cover exposed
skin or clothing, but do
not use under clothing.
- Don’t stockpile pesticides — buy only
enough pesticide to carry you through the
intended season.
Educational Resources
EPA - Reduce Your Child's Chances of Pesticide Poisoning
CDC - Protect Your Family: Reduce Contamination at Home
NPIC Pesticides and Children
California Department of Pesticide Regulation - Don't play around with children and pesticides
State Agencies
Oregon Department of Agriculture - School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to protect children from pesticides during school hours, states like Oregon, have implemented regulations to protect children on or near school property from exposure to pesticdes.
Educational Handouts
Protecting Children From Pesticides.pdf
Protegiendo a los niños de los pesticidas.pdf