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Major Initiatives:

Indy Urban Pesticide Initiative

Both the landlord and the tenant have a responsibility to reduce exposure to pests and pesticides in apartments. Problems arise if either shirks their responsibility. The impact usually is not limited to a single tenant.

The Initiative will strive to develop realistic expectations for both landlords and tenants regarding pest control and pesticide use. These expectations might be incorporated into the lease agreement. Currently, the standard agreement used by landlords is vague on the issue. In addition, IKE will educate landlords and their tenants. IKE is working with the Apartment Association of Indiana and the Marion County Health Department on the project. IKE is also seeking groups to work on tenants issues in Marion County.

Under state regulations, retail stores that sell or offer for sale any pesticide and choose to have employees provide pesticide selection and use advice to customers must:

• Have a pesticide consultant on staff who is registered with the Indiana State Chemist;
• Train all employees who provide pesticide selection and use advice using a training course approved by the Indiana State Chemist;
• Post a notice in an area that the employees will see reminding them that they must be trained before providing any pesticide selection and use advice; and
• Post a notice in a public area notifying customers that they have the ultimate responsibility to read and follow the directions on the pesticide label and labeling.

This rule generally has been ignored by retail stores primarily because they are not aware of the requirement. Through the initiative, IKE will work to get retail stores in Marion County into compliance. As a first step, the Indiana State Chemist sent out a letter on August 1 to all stores alerting them to the rule and their compliance responsibilities. IKE will begin to work directly with the stores and encourage customers to report stores that are not in compliance to the Indiana State Chemist.

IKE has recently learned the extent of the problem with the misuse of lumber treated with chrome, copper and arsenic. It is being burned, sawdust is left on the ground, and children are exposed by handling the wood or sawdust. IKE will work with agencies and retail outlets to better educate consumers and contractors. It also will evaluate the merits of its use where children may come into contact with it.

The initiative also will support efforts to educate citizens regarding:

• Pest control in schools;
• Mosquito control and steps to reduce numbers of dangerous mosquitoes; and
• Exposure to pesticides in neighborhoods around urban golf courses and parks.