Sectors join forces vs white lead in paint

CEBU, Philippines - Environmentalists have joined forces with trade unionists in a bid to provide better protection for workers, children and the general public against exposure to lead-based paints.

The groups made the call in line with the 91st anniversary of CO13, an International Labor Organization convention that bans the use of white lead in painting.

The convention took effect on August 31, 1923.

The common plea was made by the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, NAGKAISA Labor Coalition and the EcoWaste Coalition.

 CO13 or the White Lead (Painting) Convention is considered a historic act by the ILO during the time of the League of Nations (the precursor to the United Nations) to control lead levels in paint used on interior areas of housing.

 CO13, among other provisions, prohibits “the use of white lead and sulphate of lead and of all products containing these pigments, in the internal painting of buildings,” but makes it “permissible to use white pigments containing a maximum of 2 percent of lead.”

 Aileen Lucero, coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, said they  find it fitting to call for a review of the landmark agreement for it to be in step with the global consensus to eliminate lead paints that are being advanced by the UN-backed Global  Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint.

“To get the review process initiated by the ILO’s Governing Board, we urge our government through the Department of Labor and Employment to make the necessary representation and action,” said Josua Mata, co-convenor of NAGKAISA, the country’s biggest labor coalition.

 Allan Tanjusay, ALU-TUCP spokesperson, said lead poisoning via exposure to lead contaminated paint chips, dust as well as products such as toys remains a huge threat for the health of children and workers in many countries for the past nine years.

 According to the labor and environmental groups, CO13 has to be updated to make it applicable to all lead pigments and dryers, ready-to-use paints, as well as to exterior applications.  (FREEMAN)