A push by lawmakers for a more environmentally conscious state has found its way into Long Island schools. Since Long Island has an alarmingly high cancer rate, environmental factors have been the focus of concern. As part of the effort, a new law now entitles parents of students to be notified about what types of pesticides are being applied to school grounds and when they are going to be applied.

"One of the things we certainly are conscious of these days is the way children are exposed to pesticides," said Attorney General Elliot Spitzer back in August. "Here on Long Island, where we have seen cancer rates going through the roof, where we do not fully understand why we have these enormous cancer rates, we have to act as rigorously as we possibly can to control exposure to those pesticides that we believe may be linked to these dangerous, horrendous diseases."

Under the Pesticide Notification Law, which is in effect for the 2001-2002 school year for the first time in New York State, parents now have a right to be informed of what pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are being used on school and day care grounds statewide. The law provides for:

* A notice will be sent at the beginning of the school year informing parents that they may register for 48-hour prior notification for most types of pesticide applications.

* Schools send out three notices per year to all parents listing applications of pesticides - dates, locations, products, and phone numbers for additional information.

"This is important for the children because they spend a great deal of time on the school premises. There's the potential for exposure. The science continues to evolve in this area, but we do know that young bodies, as they are developing or those that might have a particular condition, are particularly susceptible to harmful health effects of pesticides and other toxic chemicals," said New York State Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli, who was instrumental in bringing about the law.

In explaining the importance of making parents aware of what chemicals are applied on school grounds, DiNapoli cited a list created by the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (NCAMP), which identifies 48 pesticides commonly used in schools that may have potentially dangerous health effects such as cancer, reproductive effects, and kidney and liver damage.

"There is a real concern, particularly for young bodies to be exposed to these kinds of substances," he said.

The law states that schools must let parents know, within a 48-hour time period, when pesticides are being used on school property. "This is a way for us to give families more information, a way for them to maximize protection and a way for the public to have a greater awareness of the use of pesticides," DiNapoli said.

Director of the Neighborhood Network Neil Lewis, who has been a driving force behind the legislation, supports the idea of building a safer school environment by making the communities aware of pesticide use. "Information is power and it's clearly true in this case. This information will empower parents. When they get the information, they will have details as to what's going on in their schools with a whole range of different types of chemical products, many of which raise a number of [health] concerns," he said.

Lewis has been outspoken about not only making residents aware of when pesticides are applied, but proposes the use of safe, organic alternatives to potentially dangerous chemicals. He is optimistic that, by making parents aware of potentially dangerous chemicals being used, schools may begin to reduce and perhaps even eventually eliminate their use of chemical pesticides.

"When parents get this information, what we think will happen is parents will start to ask questions at their PTA meetings and school board meetings as to why we aren't using the safer alternative products," he said.

Of the 48 pesticides the NCAMP identified in its study of those commonly used in schools, many are classified as possible human carcinogens. However, New York State Law requires schools to maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the least toxic approach to pest management. Each district has the power to adopt and modify such a plan. The Neighborhood Network, therefore, is urging parents to ask why some schools are still using toxic products while there are alternatives readily available.

While much is unknown of the dangers of chemical pesticides, proponents of the Pesticide Neighbor Notification Act believe that by creating awareness in school communities, exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals will decrease.

"While we don't know enough about why we get certain cancers, we know enough to suspect some of the causes. This new law takes us one step closer to ensuring that our health and environment are well protected," said Geri Barish, president of 1 in 9: the Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition.

One criticism of the use of organic alternatives to chemical pesticides is their high cost. However, DiNapoli said he has introduced a bill, along with Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), designed to offer state funds as an incentive to school districts who use non-toxic products. The bill hasn't become a law yet.

The Neighborhood Network is offering information on alternatives to pesticides to anyone who calls 541-4321.

DiNapoli, who began his career as an elected official on the Mineola School District Board of Education, said he doesn't expect a problem with schools complying. "The school districts are very responsible."