Group reiterates call for chemical-safe classrooms

National

AS SCHOOLS prepare for the opening of classes, an environmental watchdog released an updated list of certified lead-safe paints to help schools meet health and safety standards during cleanup and renovation efforts.

EcoWaste Coalition group reminded the public that the safe repainting of schools plays a crucial role in protecting children from toxic exposure as rehabilitation works done during Brigada Eskewela.

In a statement, the coalition stressed the importance of using only paints that have been independently certified as lead-safe, following the Department of Education’s (DepEd) policies.

The group warned that lead is a powerful neurotoxin and especially dangerous to children. It urged Brigada Eskwela participants to use only products that meet the strictest international standards for lead safety.

The list, verified by US-based SCS Global Services, includes hundreds of paint products from seven major manufacturers certified under the Lead Safe Paint program.

These manufacturers include Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc., which produces Boysen, Nation, Titan, and Virtuoso Silk; Davies Paints Philippines, Inc., which offers the Davies line; and Sycwin Coating & Wires, Inc., known for Purecoat Advance, Purecoat Premium, Guilder, and WeatherGard.

Also included are Asian Coatings Philippines, Inc., which markets Rain or Shine, Alpha Chroma, Arkhon, Welcoat, and Glasurit; Roosevelt Chemical Inc./Triton Paints, with products such as Triton, Acri-Lux, Duracoat, Lotus, Primecoat, and Rosco; FH Colors & Coatings Corp./A-Plus Paints, which includes A-Plus, Glazer, Hanscoat, and Kali; and Treasure Island Industrial Corp., with brands like Apollo, Star, and Island.

All certified products contain no more than 90 parts per million (ppm) of lead, the legal limit set under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2013-24—one of the most stringent standards for lead in paint worldwide.

Although the list does not include every compliant product, since the certification is voluntary, it serves as a helpful reference for schools and local government units aiming to ensure the use of lead-free paint.

DepEd Order No. 4, series of 2017, requires the exclusive use of lead-safe paints in all public preschool, elementary, and high school facilities. This includes classrooms, furniture, fixtures, and learning tools.

The order responds to health threats tied to lead exposure, such as learning delays, anemia, and neurological damage.

DepEd Memorandum No. 85, series of 2016, also instructed schools to use only lead-free paints during Brigada Eskwela.

The International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), together with the EcoWaste Coalition and local industry groups, developed the Lead Safe Paint certification program. SCS Global Services manages the certification, and both IPEN and EcoWaste do not earn revenue from the process.

EcoWaste encouraged school heads, volunteers, and suppliers to check the list before buying paint or starting repairs.(MyTVCebu)