Help stop unnecessary pollution that hurts people

Government regulation has succeeded in reducing the potential growth of unnecessary pollution but has failed to protect the public health from pollution, including pesticide residues. While a person's first responsiblity is to protect him/herself and family from pollution through personal lifestyle choices, it is necessary to work to reduce unnecessary pollution at the source to achieve real protection. This is most effective done on the at the local and State level, appealing both to the polluters themselves as well as to people selling land for new pollution sources, and appealing to government to act in the interest of the public health.

Use your passion, knowledge, and ingenuity to impact your community.  One example of how to do this at the state level is found in a grassroots citizen's organization as follows:

Legislative accomplishments of

The Chemical Connection, A Public Health Network of Texans Sensitive to Chemicals

1. Texas Indoor Air Quality Act (1995) -- gives the Texas Department of Health the authority to set voluntary standards for indoor air quality in schools

2. Protected IPM in Schools program from being called an "unfunded legislative mandate" (1993) (Note: A well designed IPM Program SAVES schools money.)

3. Less Toxic Integrated Pest Management in Texas Schools Law (1991)

4. Only trained and licensed pesticide applicators can use pesticides in schools.(1991)

5. Pesticides may not be applied in schools while children are present (1991)

6. All licensed pesticide applicators must take classes in Integrated Pest Management (less toxic pest control) to keep their licenses (1989)

7. When termite pesticides are applied in a home, a permanent sticker must be applied to the hot water heater or under the kitchen sink so homeowners will be able to determine the treatment history of the home with long lasting pesticides often used for this purpose (1989)

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