New research linking health problems to pesticides, has set the alarm bells ringing both in the U.S. and the UK.
Research by scientists, from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has highlighted a link between illness and pesticide use in or near schools.
Scientists, examined 406 cases in detail, and found that the rate of illnesses linked to pesticides and similar chemicals rose sharply between 1998 and 2002 in U.S. schools.
They found two-thirds were associated with pesticides used in schools, and a third with chemicals drifting into schools from nearby farms.
Most of the 2,593 patients affected had mild illnesses, but some were more serious, and a few severe.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure and it can cause rashes, sore throats, burning eyes, blisters, headaches and nausea, as well as potentially more serious long term effects.
The scientists have recommended measures to improve the use of pesticides in schools, including reducing pesticide drift and setting up pesticide spray "buffer zones" around school buildings.
The UK Pesticides Campaign called for immediate action to protect the public, and the replacement of chemicals with natural methods of pest control.
Campaigners have called for action to protect children after Georgina Downs, who heads the campaign, said children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure.
She says she continues to receive reports of illnesses in children attending schools where pesticides are used, especially schools surrounded by crop fields that are repeatedly sprayed, throughout every year, with mixtures of pesticides.