PENNSYLVANIA Schools lag in notification on spraying

A new law requires schools to use pesticides as a last resort.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- At least one-fourth of the state's school districts haven't developed plans to notify parents at least 72 hours in advance when they spray pesticides, according to a survey by the American Lung Association and Clean Water Action, an environmental group.
A state law requiring such a system goes into effect Jan. 1. About 68 percent of the state's 501 school districts responded to the survey.
Under the law, school districts can adopt universal notification -- meaning all parents will be sent a notice when pesticides are used -- or set up a registry that allows parents to sign up if they want to be notified.
According to the survey, 18 percent of the state's school districts have opted for a registry, while 25 percent will use universal notification.
The law seeks to discourage children's exposure to toxic chemicals by requiring schools to make sanitary and building improvements, and also use baits and traps to control cockroaches, ants and other pests. Pesticides are to be used as a last resort.
Options
The law allows school districts to send a blanket notification at the beginning of each year or semester, warning parents of the pesticides that could potentially be used, or to send out a specific warning each time spraying occurs.
The Pesticide Notification Act doesn't spell out penalties for noncompliance. The state Department of Education is empowered to take unspecified action if schools don't follow a state law.