Senator Serrano Introduces Legislation To Protect Community From Harmful Pesticides

Senator Serrano introduced a series of bills looking to put an end to the use of dangerous pesticide chemicals in our environment.   Pesticides pose a variety of human health risks and negative impacts on the environment. Pesticide exposure has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, developmental disorders in children, and have been linked to a disruption of endocrine function. 

"Recently, a number of pesticides have been identified as persistent, toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. More and more countries around the world have demonstrated zero tolerance for exposing their citizens to products that are linked to cancer, and we cannot let New York fall behind in this area. This trio of bills will protect the public from the harmful effects that these chemicals can have on our community."

Senate Bill S7141 would prohibit the use of glyphosate and products containing glyphosate in certain parks, playgrounds and picnic areas. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many common weed killer products, such as roundup, and is used by government agencies in parks, playgrounds and picnic areas. The International Agency for Research on Cancer declared glyphosate a "probable human carcinogen." This bill would put an end to the use of this dangerous chemical in our parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Senate Bill S7391 would reduce children's exposure to harmful pesticides. This bill would prohibit the use of chemicals commonly used by mosquito control trucks around any school, daycare center, or park. There is growing evidence of increased susceptibility in infants and children from exposure to these chemicals which may adversely affect the nervous system and immune system. Despite this growing evidence, mosquito control trucks too often fog or spray in and around places where children are currently, or will be present, including schools, day care centers, and parks. 

Senate Bill S7445 would prohibit the non-emergency application of pesticides within any municipal park lands. Parks are intended to be a preservation of nature, while providing safe and enjoyable educational and entertainment value for people of all ages. The use of chemical pesticides is inconsistent with these intentions. This bill will help ensure that parks remain as nature intended for today's generation and generations to come.