Hello! We are almost to 500 signatures. On Monday, City Council will be hearing a progress report, and will be challenged to acknoweldge the toxicity of our current land care programs, can you foward the petition to your networks and anyone you think takes the issues of ecology, public health, and quality of life seriously?

The work is now engaging New Hanover County and New Hanover County Schools. Please read this statement by the American Academy of Pediatricians:

"This statement presents the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics on pesticides. Pesticides are a collective term for chemicals intended to kill unwanted insects, plants, molds, and rodents. Children encounter pesticides daily and have unique susceptibilities to their potential toxicity. Acute poisoning risks are clear, and understanding of chronic health implications from both acute and chronic exposure are emerging. Epidemiologic evidence demonstrates associations between early life exposure to pesticides and pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems. Related animal toxicology studies provide supportive biological plausibility for these findings. Recognizing and reducing problematic exposures will require attention to current inadequacies in medical training, public health tracking, and regulatory action on pesticides. Ongoing research describing toxicologic vulnerabilities and exposure factors across the life span are needed to inform regulatory needs and appropriate interventions. Policies that promote integrated pest management, comprehensive pesticide labeling, and marketing practices that incorporate child health considerations will enhance safe use."

If there is anyone reading this interested to help raise the profile of this issue locally, please reach out. 

Grateful, 

Evan Folds