MANILA, Philippines – The group EcoWaste Coalition is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to issue a department order to ensure that only lead-safe paint is used on school buildings nationwide as the yearly Brigada Eskwela nears.
The group promoting chemical safety and zero waste said its campaign toward lead-safe schools is in anticipation of the phaseout of lead-containing architectural, decorative and household paints by Jan. 1, 2017 as per Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2013-24.
“While the phaseout will only take effect in January next year, we find it extremely important that all schools take the deliberate decision now not to use lead-containing paints and ensure a lead-safe school environment for healthy and bright children,” Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste coordinator, said.
“We hope that the directive will be released soon to serve as guidance for the schools and their community of donors and supporters for the Brigada Eskwela on May 30 to June 4,” she added.
The requested department order will be in sync with DepEd’s mission of promoting a child-friendly school environment, and the 15-point “Human Rights Agenda for Chemical Safety” adopted by the Commission on Human Rights, the EcoWaste Coalition pointed out.
Citing information from the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, a joint initiative of the United Nations Environment Program and the World Health Organization (WHO), the group warned that young children may inhale or ingest lead-containing paint chips, dust or soil as lead paint deteriorates over time.
Lead is one of the 10 chemicals of major public health concern, the WHO said.
There is no known level of lead exposure that is considered to be safe, the WHO noted, stressing that childhood lead poisoning can have lifelong health impacts, including learning disabilities, anemia and disorders in coordination, visual, spatial and language skills.