Safer Schools

Re “District to Ban Insecticide, Weedkillers,” March 24.

I applaud the Los Angeles Unified School District for adopting a nontoxic pest-control policy for its schools. Protecting children from the damaging effects of pesticide exposure is as prudent as it is overdue.

In Ventura County, chronic use of farm chemicals near schools and homes is responsible for a higher-than-average exposure rate to these poisons. Additional exposure through food, water, spraying of homes and schools and lax safety standards has created an unacceptable burden for our children. It is imperative that the county’s school districts take the lead in reducing children’s risk rate by adopting least-toxic pest management policies of their own.

TERRI GAISHIN

Camarillo