H.124 - An Act relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren

Bill Status: Read more.

Senate Bill: S.64, Jason M. Lewis

Background: Many Massachusetts schools and childcare centers permit the use of an arsenal of toxic pesticides on outdoor grounds, including glyphosate and 2,4-D (the active ingredient in agent orange), potentially endangering children’s health.  

Children are especially vulnerable to toxic pesticides.

• Children absorb more pesticides relative to their body weight than adults.
• Children’s organ systems are still developing and are less able to detoxify harmful chemicals.
• In 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called for governments to reduce children’s exposure to pesticides writing that scientific evidence “demonstrates associations between early life exposure to pesticides and pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems.”

What this bill does: Under this proposed law, only pesticides considered minimum risk by the U.S. EPA and those permitted for organic use will be allowed near schools and child care centers in Massachusetts, except in the case of a health emergency when school officials could apply for a waiver. In 2010 NY passed a similar law as did CT in 2015. This legislation has been approved by the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculturefor two sessions in a row. 

Rep. Gentile's testimony on the bill, a fact sheet, and a list of endorsing organizations are included below.