As a result, New York's legislature recently voted to ban the use of paradicholorobenzene wafers--which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and with high levels of exposure, result in liver and kidney damage--in all schools in the state.
New York Assemblyman Michael N. Gianaris, a sponsor of the measure, says "paradichlorobenzene is a known carcinogen, and at a minimum, we wanted to start banning it in schools where children are most vulnerable."
Indeed, Governor George Pataki chose to sign a version of the bill with an expedited implementation date of November. It will affect about 7,000 public and private elementary and secondary schools.
The state is following the lead of Erie County, which restricted the use of paradichlorobenzene two years ago in favor of non-toxic deodorizers that cost slightly more but last longer. A handful of other governmental entities, including the fire department in New York City, the New York Correctional Services Department and the city of San Francisco, also have switched to alternative products.
