National Pediculosis Association launches head lice info campaign

NEWTON, Mass. The National Pediculosis Association on Thursday launched its 2009-2010 back-to-school campaign “Precaution, Preparedness & Peace of Mind” to equip parents, teachers and children with educational resources around treating lice.

“We must empower everyone with clear and up-to-date information so they make informed decisions,” stated Deborah Altschuler, president and co-founder of the NPA. “There is no need to panic and subject children to harmful chemicals with life-threatening side effects.”

As part of its campaign, NPA promotes routine screening, early detection and thorough removal of head lice and nits without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.

“For most of us the thought of pesticides on our fruits and vegetables is unacceptable. Yet, putting pesticides on our children has become acceptable. This makes no sense,” Altschuler said. “We want parents to know they have options, feel confident about their decisions, and be careful about the information they take off of the Internet.”