DepEd orders mercury leak probe in Manila school

The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered an investigation into the mercury leak incident at the Manila Science High School (MSHS).

Through the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Manila, DepEd ordered the probe and continuous monitoring of the condition of students, teachers, and personnel directly and indirectly exposed to the substance.

Based on the report of DepEd National Capital Region (NCR) Director Ponciano Andal Menguito to Secretary Leonor Briones, Schools Division Superintendent Wilfredo Cabral on Saturday verified that “teachers and students will undergo screening and tests” to be conducted jointly by the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) and the Manila City Health Office (MCHO).

The monitoring of SDO nurses showed that “the two teachers and the two students who were exposed to the chemical have not manifested any sign of neither dizziness nor difficulty in breathing.” Furthermore, DepEd clarified that the “a teacher who has reported to have been admitted to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) was not confirmed.”

DepEd also noted Globecare – an industrial waste disposal specialist – has completed the cleanup and is expected to submit a report to the SDO Manila.

Mercury is considered by World Health Organization (WHO) as “one of the top 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.”

WHO said “exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life.” Mercury, WHO added, may also “have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.”