WASHINGTON - Several pesticide industry associations recently negotiated the Torricelli School Environment Protection Amendment which will, according to them, protect children from pests in schools, using modern pesticide technology and other pest management tools in an integrated manner.

Supported by the American Crop Protection Association, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) and other industry related associations, the bill was included in the Elementary and Secondary Education Authorization Bill.

"Pesticides are absolutely crucial tools in efforts to protect schoolchildren from dangerous pests that seriously threaten their health and safety," said Allen James, President of RISE. "This amendment addresses the desire of those parent who want to be notified when pesticides are applied while still allowing for the safe and responsible use of pesticides to control rats, cockroaches, stinging insects and weeds."