Neighbor Notification Bill Will Raise Health Risk Awareness

Dear Editor:

Kudos to Ulster County Legislators for passing the “Neighbor Notification Bill” in December. The bill becomes effective January 2007, and will require commercial lawn care companies to give 48 hour written notice to adjacent residents when applying spray chemicals to a neighboring property.
The bill’s purpose is to raise awareness about health risks associated with pesticide exposure which is implicated in a host of maladies including asthma, allergies, cancer, neurological, behavior, and learning problems to mention a few.
Notification allows neighbors to close windows, keep children and pets inside, bring in toys, pet dishes, or clothes on the line, cover the BBQ and back yard pool, etc.
Retail outlets that sell pesticides will be required to display posters alerting consumers to potential health risks to the user, and to other non-targeted organisms.
Passing this bill was a wonderful gift to the residents of Ulster County. Let’s hope 2007 will bring the same gift to the residents of Dutchess and Orange Counties.

Rose Marie Williams
President
Helena Baldyga
Vice President