AS the country prepares for the resumption of school on July 29, environmental NGO BAN Toxics joined today’s Brigada Eskwela kickoff activity at Payatas B Elementary School (PBES) in Quezon City to promote toxic-free and waste-free schools. Carrying broomsticks, mops, paint, brushes, and other cleaning and maintenance materials, teachers, parents, and students gathered at the covered court in front of the school to formally open the weeklong activity.
Brigada Eskwela is an annual school maintenance program by the Department of Education (DepEd) where teachers, parents, and community members contribute their time, efforts, and resources to ensure public schools are ready for the start of classes.
“The annual Brigada Eskwela is a great opportunity for schools and communities to come together to raise awareness about toxic and waste concerns and ensure a safe environment for students and teachers,” said Antonio Miranda, Principal of PBES.
Speaking at the event, BAN Toxics Executive Director Reynaldo San Juan Jr. says it is important to ensure that school premises are not only clean, but are clear of toxic chemicals that may harm children. “Toxic chemicals may be present in paint, disinfectants, and even in the school supplies that our children use, and it is important that our community, especially the teachers and parents, are aware of this.”
The group recommended taking steps to make sure that the paints being used are free of lead, warning that despite being banned, some illegally imported lead-containing paints might still be sold in the market. Old plumbing systems that use lead pipes and fittings are also a source of lead contamination in water. San Juan Jr. added that they recently tested some school bags and water containers being sold in bargain stores that contain lead.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that causes irreparable harm to children’s brains. It impairs their developing brains before they have the chance to mature fully, resulting in lifelong neurological, cognitive, and physical impairments. Childhood lead exposure is also associated with mental health and behavioral problems.
The group also advised being cautious when using common cleaning materials. For example, bleach can irritate the skin and eyes, and may cause asthma. Children are more vulnerable to breathing bleach vapors because their lungs are still developing. Bleach, when mixed with other chemicals that contain ammonia, vinegar, or other acids can create toxic gas.
Some liquid hand soaps available on the market also contain triclosan and triclocarban, antibacterial chemicals suspected of being endocrine disruptors and considered chemicals of emerging concern. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) interfere with the endocrine system, potentially disrupting hormone activity in the body and posing risks to fertility, reproductive organs, increasing the risk of cancer, suppressing the immune system, and causing skin irritation.
Phthalates, another EDC, are also found in air fresheners and cleaning and sanitizing products.
“An important step to ensuring the products we use are safe for children is to check the label for details about the ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to avoid products with no ingredient information. If you’re unsure about a product, check whether it is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their website,” San Juan Jr. said.
During the program, BAN Toxics and Traders Industrial Supply Co., Inc. (TRISCO), a private industrial trading firm, conducted chemical testing of school facilities, paint, and cleaning products using a handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer.
The group also discussed the importance of proper waste management in schools and emphasized the need to develop responsible waste habits in our children. “Our kids need to be well-educated on reducing waste, particularly plastic waste, and on proper segregation. They need to understand that plastic pollution poses a growing threat to human health and the environment,” San Juan Jr. said.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between BAN Toxics and PBES administrators for the Toxic-Free and Waste-Free Schools Program (TFSP), which aims to raise awareness about the proper management of chemicals and waste in schools.
The TFSP has been one of the main initiatives of BAN Toxics since 2009. The program was designed to raise awareness on the negative effects of toxic chemicals and wastes found in schools, homes, and communities and promote environmentally sustainable and safe alternatives, as well as educate students and members of the community on sound chemical and waste management.
“We look forward to increased cooperation with our academic institutions, and we hope that the newly appointed DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara will prioritize the health and safety of our teachers and students,” San Juan Jr. said.
The group called on the new DepEd Secretary to initiate new programs that would raise the knowledge of teachers and students on hazardous chemicals and proper waste management and promote a safer and healthier learning environment.
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