Environment groups commend DepEd for using lead-safe paint

CEBU, Philippines - Two environmental groups commended the top official of the Department of Education in promoting a healthy and safe children's environment by mandating the use of lead-safe paints in schools.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a local environmental group and IPEN, a global civil society network for safe chemical policies and practices lauded DepEd secretary Leonor Briones on the issuance of Department Order 4, Series of 2017, stating that "the use of only lead-safe coatings or paints shall be mandatory to all pre-school, elementary and secondary schools."

The EcoWaste Coalition had earlier requested Briones to strengthen Memorandum 85, s.2016 on the use of lead-free paints issued by former Secretary Armin Luistro, stressing that "an enhanced (policy) will advance DepEd's mission of promoting a child-friendly school environment where students can obtain quality basic education they deserve."

EC national coordinator Aileen Lucero, in a statement, said that the order will ensure that paints and products with lead, a brain-damaging chemical, will not find their way into the school system and pose lead exposure risks for our children.

IPEN Lead Paint Elimination Campaign Adviser Manny Calonzo, in the same statement, said that the DepEd's directive provides a good example as to what other agencies can do to boost the enforcement of the country's trailblazing policy to phase out lead paints and prevent children's and workers' exposures from such paints. 

"We hope that other agencies will follow suit, particularly by requiring the procurement and use of certified lead-safe paints for all publicly-funded buildings and facilities," he said

The said DO provides for the mandatory use of independently certified lead-safe paints/coatings in painting and/or repainting school facilities, amenities and  other structures.

In case of renovation of school buildings and other facilities and the restoration of school furniture and fixtures, the order requires the use of the guidelines on proper removal and disposal of lead paints set by the Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers to prevent the generation and dispersal of lead-containing dust that children may ingest or inhale.  (FREEMAN)