Our Work:

Field Burning

Gypsy Moth Spraying

Surprise Victory!

photo by Paul Carter, Eugene Register-Guard



July News Flashes...
report

Dispelling the Field Burning Myth

A common argument against a ban on field burning is that it will result in an increase in pesticide use. Oregon Toxics Alliance's new report. Pesticide Use in Grass Seed Production: Dispelling the Myth, takes an in-depth look at that claim. It finds that grass seed fields are often sprayed with pesticides before and after field burning. The real issue is that field burning actually exacerbates the toxic effects of pesticides, creating toxics such as dioxins, cyandide, and hydrogen chloride. Read More...

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Special Report

pesticide report

Pesticides in Our Schools

Oregon Toxics Alliance's report, WARNING! Hazards to Children: Pesticides in Our Schools, uncovers an on-going pattern of pesticide exposure to school children in classrooms, on playgrounds, on ball fields, and at bus stops. Forty-three cases have been reported in the past ten years. Fourteen cases were serious enough to result in evacuation, require medical attention, and/or result in a citation from the state. Read More...


VICTORY FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH!

OTA’s Call to Reduce Pesticides at Oregon Schools led to the passage of the first Integrated Pest Management law in the Northwest!

During the last weeks of the 2009 Oregon legislative session,
SB 637
, an act to require Integrated Pest Management in Schools passed both the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signing.

The passage of this bill is important because Oregon children were being exposed to dangerous pesticides during their regular school day in classrooms, hallways, ballfields and playgrounds. Dozens of cases resulted in pesticide poisoning, school evacuations and children sent to emergency rooms. The pesticides that were routinely used at schools were sometimes harsh carcinogens and hormone disruptors.

 


What's New
 
   
07/1/09 : DEQ Rule Goes into Effect: Topping off gas tanks now banned in Oregon
06/30/09 : SB 528: measure to end field burning passes both Oregon House and the Senate!
06/10/09 : Oregon House passes pest management for schools!
06/10/09 : Summer 2009 Newsletter now available for download
06/04/09 : Eugene Register-Guard Editorial Supports Passage of SB637
05/19/09 : OTA’s Call to Reduce Pesticides is nearing VICTORY!!
05/14/09 : Senate approves pest management bill for Oregon schools
05/11/09 : Senate Bill 637 – IPM in Schools - Coming to Senate Wednesday!
05/11/09 : Support Attorney General’s Request for an Environmental Crimes Enforcement Unit
04/03/09 : Power Plant Raises Questions About Environmental Costs
03/12/09 : Gypsy Moth
02/25/09 : Speak Out for Safer Children's Toys

Our Mission

The Oregon Toxics Alliance works for all Oregonians to expose root causes of toxic pollution and help communities find solutions that protect human and environmental health.

 

This website is made possible by the generosity of Mighty Merchant. They have provided OTA with webhosting and e-mail services since our beginning. Thank-you Mighty Merchant!