Children Sprayed with Pesticides While Waiting for Bus

When a tractor engulfed in a white mist steadily rolled towards Nancy and Bryan Lara as they waited at their school bus stop in Caruthers, Calif., they knew something wasn't right. As the cloud passed them, it left a residue in the air and on their skin. Two blocks before, another student was also hit by the cloud and left with a coating of what tuned out to be a combination of "liquid sulfur, gibberellic acid, insecticide and fertilizer" — pesticide.

"Kryocide, the chemical that the children were sprayed with, is not an organophosphate. It is 'slightly toxic if inhaled' and can damage a person's kidneys and bones if they are repeatedly exposed to it, according to a manufacturer's information sheet."

The article immediately made me think of the large number of migrant and seasonal children that attend the Head Start centers around this country. If you have heard of this happening, please email me. Also, pass this article on to parents, Head Start staff and anyone else that you feel should be informed.