Young children are highly susceptible to pesticide exposure in childcare centers. This study characterized pesticide contamination in 51 Northern California childcare centers, identifying predictors of pesticide concentrations and loadings in carpet dust. Cis-permethrin, trans-permethrin, bifenthrin, fipronil, and chlorpyrifos were most frequently detected. Higher bifenthrin levels correlated with agricultural applications within 3 km, and higher fipronil levels with professional applications in the prior year. Higher IPM Checklist scores were associated with lower chlorpyrifos and permethrin loading. Geographic location (San Joaquin Valley) was the strongest predictor of higher pesticide loading. Findings suggest that while some exposure factors are controllable (IPM practices), others are not (geographic location). IPM is a crucial tool for reducing pesticide exposure in childcare settings.

Kimberly Hazard, Abbey Alkon, Robert B. Gunier, Rosemary Castorina, David Camann, Shraddha Quarderer, Asa Bradman