By Megan Dunn, Healthy People & Communities Program Director In Washington State, workers and residents are asking for stronger protections from pesticide drift. According to the Department of Health, cases of pesticide related illness are being reported by farmworkers, residents living near farms, and recently a school[i]. (Details in the pie chart below). Farmworkers on conventional farms have an increased risk of diabetes[ii]and certain cancers, and children of mothers who live near agricultural areas, or who are otherwise exposed to certain pesticides during gestation may be a increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders[iii]. Continue reading

Happy New Year! For 2016, we are resolved to protect more communities, inspire more change and reduce more pesticide use. A few important topics are already emerging and below are some of our plans for the upcoming year's three program areas.  Continue reading

NCAP volunteer and recently elected board member Jessica Rojas reflects on her passion for plants and how they brought her to know and value NCAP.  Continue reading

In Washington State, the EPA is considering whether to delay implementation of a rule that forces Washington State to clean up waterways and ensure fish don’t pose a hazard to people eating them. Tell the EPA you don’t want any time delays!   Continue reading

(Written by Katherine Jones and originally published in the Idaho Statesman) (Bill and Laurie Enger in "happier times.") “When I was trying to educate myself, your organization (NCAP) was most kind and helpful.”  –Laurie Enger   In 1994, Laurie Enger had a common and annoying problem in her Boise, Idaho home: ants. She didn’t think much of it until her daughter thought they might be carpenter ants, which chew tunnels through wood and can cause considerable damage. Laurie called a nationally known exterminator.  Continue reading