X07: Pesticide Use – Above Green

(1 point)

INTENT

Reduce the presence of pests in buildings primarily through Integrative Pest Management (IPM) and when necessary the use of low-hazard pesticides.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the minimization of pesticide use through IPM and when necessary, the use of low-hazard pesticides accompanied by signage detailing pesticide information at the site of application.

ISSUE

Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of health problems. An analysis of 227 studies by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that young children who were exposed to insecticides inside their homes were at higher risk for developing leukemia or lymphoma. In addition, there has been a consistent link between an increased risk of birth defects resulting from parental exposure to pesticides. Studies have also shown that individuals with greater exposure to pesticides, for example landscapers, are at a greater risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Kidney and pancreatic cancers have been linked to pesticide exposure, while an increased risk for prostate cancer is associated with exposure to methyl bromide, a fumigant. Animal data and in-vitro work suggest chronic pesticide exposures might be associated with learning and behavioral problems [e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neuropsychological deficits]. Mammalian studies of organophosphate pesticides, in particular chlorpyrifos, show evidence of neurotoxic effects at low dose/chronic exposures.

SOLUTIONS

Pesticide use, and associated risks, can be reduced through the application of IPM. Furthermore, “Tier 3” or low hazard pesticides, have been assessed and not found to contribute to cancer, endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity, per the San Francisco's hazard tier system. These can be applied when and where necessary. The application of signage detailing pesticide information at the site of application, including in the case of a public health emergency where a non-low hazard tier pesticide is used, provides further protective measures.

IMPACT

Pest prevention through the application of an integrated pest management system reduces the need for pesticide use, which along with the use of low-hazard pesticides and notice of application, can meaningfully reduce the risk of exposure.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Manage Pesticides (1 point)

Verified by Operations Schedule

For All Spaces

Pesticide minimization:

One of the following requirements is met:

Outdoor pesticide use is eliminated.
Hazards associated with outdoor pesticide use are minimized through the following:
1. The creation of an Integrated Pest Management plan that incorporates elements detailed in Appendix X1.
2. Use of outdoor pesticides with a Hazard Tier ranking of 3 (least hazardous) based on the Pesticide Research Institute's PestSmart tool or “Least Restricted” based on the Pesticide Product Evaluator tool, except in cases of emergency.

Pesticide application:

Projects provide the following for planned and emergency application of pesticides:

Planned use:
1. Provide paper or digital notification to all building occupants on the protocol for pesticide use notification.
2. Notify all building occupants via paper or digital means at least 24 hours prior to pesticide application.
3. Post a notification sign at the site of application 24 hours prior to application and leave in place for at least 24 hours.
4. Notification signs include the pesticide name, registration number, treatment location and date of application.
Emergency use:
1. Provide paper or digital notification to all building occupants on the protocol for pesticide use notification.
2. Notify all building occupants via paper or digital means within 24 hours of pesticide application.
3. Post a notification sign at the site of application within 24 hours and leave in place for at least 24 hours.
4. Notification signs include the pesticide name, registration number, treatment location and date of application.
5. Provide information on the type of emergency or reason for unplanned use.

Note: Project teams should consider primary language(s) spoken by the local population when creating signage.

If a pesticide has not yet been evaluated by the Pesticide Research Institute, use the Guide to the San Francisco's Reduced Risk Pesticide List’s Hazard Tier Review Process for evaluating pesticides.

Emergency application constitutes an urgent, non-routine situation that requires the use of a pesticide where:

No effective compliant pesticides are available.
No feasible alternative control practices are available.
The situation involves the introduction of a new pest or will present significant risks to human health or the environment or will cause significant economic loss.