Groups: Observe health policies during Brigada

MANILA, Philippines — Concerned groups have reminded participating schools in the annual “Brigada Eskwela” to observe the government’s environmental and health policies aimed at promoting a conducive learning environment for children.

“The mandatory use of lead-safe paints in schools has to be strictly observed to ensure a healthy environment where children can study, discover their potentials, and hone their skills and talents. We need to keep our schools safe from lead as lead is particularly dangerous to the developing brains of children,” EcoWaste Coalition chemical safety campaigner Thony Dizon said.

“There is no known safe level of lead exposure. Even low levels of lead exposure may cause lifetime health issues, such as learning disabilities, impaired language skills, reduced intelligence quotient and behavioral problems,” IPEN lead paint campaigner Jeiel Guarino said. 

IPEN is a global non-government organization network that counts the EcoWaste Coalition among its members.