What is Alaskans for Healthy Kids?

Alaskans for Healthy Kids is a citizen-based initiative campaign that is working to require school districts and licensed child care facilities to use least toxic alternatives to pesticides and to provide public notice if pesticides are used. AHK has a sound plan for both the signature gathering and ballot measure campaigns.

The solution to the problem of childhood exposure to pesticides is simple and common sense: Minimize exposure. That's what this initiative petition does: Limit exposure by directing schools and child care facilities to use pesticides only as a last resort. It prevents unnecessary exposure. It requires notification to parents if pesticides are used. It does not prevent the use of pesticides if they are deemed necessary. The initiative would protect children's health by simply reducing their exposure to pesticides at the places children spend the most time away from home, at school and at child care.

We know this works since it's been happening in Anchorage schools since 2000, when the Anchorage School District adopted a policy of using least toxic pest control measures. It's time to carry these protections to school children statewide and to children in child care.

Alaskans for Healthy Kids is a group of organizations and individuals concerned about children’s health. We are teachers, child care providers, conservationists, health care providers, and public health advocates. The project was initiated by Alaska Community Action on Toxics.

Paid for by Alaskans for Healthy Kids • 505 West Northern Lights Blvd, Suite 205 • Anchorage, Alaska 99503 • Phone 222-7714 • Email: info@akaction.net