LEAD FREE MATERIALS FOR DEPED
MARICEL M. GONZAGA
1. In reference to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (AO) 2013-24 or the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Lead and Lead Compounds, and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) The People’s Right to Chemical Safety: A Fifteen-Point Human Rights Agenda and to strengthen DepEd Memorandum No. 85, s. 2016 entitled Use of Lead-Free Paint in Schools, use of only lead-safe coatings or paints shall be mandatory to all pre-school, elementary and secondary schools in anticipation of the phase-out deadline for lead-added architectural, decorative and household paints by January 1, 2017.
2. Lead is one of the identified toxic and regulated chemicals that pose hazards and risks to human health and the environment from use, management, disposal and subsequent releases of their wastes and exposure. DENR AO 2013-24 establishes 90 parts per million (ppm) as threshold limit for lead in paint used as pigment, drying agent or for some intentional use.
3. Use of lead-safe paints shall reduce children’s exposure to toxic lead via lead-containing paint and dust, thus, avoiding health impacts including learning disabilities, anemia and disorders in coordination, visual, spatial, and language skills.
4. In line with this, the use of independently certified lead-safe paints/ coatings shall be mandatory to all painting and/ or repainting works of: a. School facilities; i. Building such as classrooms, toilets, library, clinic, offices ii. Amenities such as playground, covered court, and the like iii.Other structures such as gate, fence, and the like b. Furniture such as tables, chairs and cabinets; c.Fixtures such as blackboards; d. Learning materials such as teaching aids, school supplies, and toys; and e. Tools and equipment.
5. In case of renovation of school buildings and other facilities and restoration of school furniture and fixtures, the guidelines set by the Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers (PAPM) shall be strictly observed for proper removal and disposal of lead paints to prevent the generation and dispersal of lead-containing dust that children may ingest or inhale. The guidelines of PAPM can be accessed through: http:/ / papmpaints.org/ news.html.
6. This Order shall also apply to paint-coated goods or products (furniture, fixtures, learning materials, tools and equipment) directly procured by the school as well as those sourced by other means such as through individual, group, corporate or local government donations.
7. All products donated or sold to schools such as, but not limited to, paints, bags, school supplies and furnishings by commercial and non-commercial establishments, as well as concerned individuals, shall also be in compliance with the DENR AO 2013-24 and other relevant lead-related regulations.
8. The following offices shall be responsible for the implementation of this Order: a. Education Facilities Division–DepEd Central Office; b. Education Support Service Division (ESSD) Education Facilities Section– Regional Offices; and
c.School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD)–Education Facilities Section–Schools Division Offices.
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The author is from Sta. Cruz High Integrated School, Sta. Cruz, Lubao