DepEd pushes toxics-free schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has tied up with an environmental group to help create awareness among students and teachers on the dangers of toxic chemicals in educational supplies and the school environment.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro and BAN Toxics (BT) executive director Richard Gutierrez signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of Toxics-Free Schools Program (TFSP), which promotes practical solutions and alternatives that the school, parents and students can use to avoid or minimize exposure to health and environmental risks.

The partnership aims to make schools safe for children through various awareness campaigns.

The information campaign will highlight the “Fearsome Five” toxic substances that might be present in schools: mercury, lead, cadmium, asbestos and arsenic.

“The Fearsome Five pose serious health risks to children,” Luistro said.

“These harmful substances are present in some items and materials normally used by children such as crayons, markers and school bags. They also hide in furniture and wall paints, lights, fixtures, cleaning materials and the like, possibly exposing children to harm on a daily basis,” he said.

“We need to take action to stop the slow poisoning of children, particularly in schools where they spend a lot of time,” Gutierrez said.

The information will be disseminated through teachers’ trainings, forums, lectures, exhibits and student activities.

Teachers and other education personnel will be trained to be more pro-active on the issue of environmental toxins.

A TFSP manual will be developed by the DepEd and BT to be integrated in the school curricula. Student groups will be organized to further promote awareness on the issue.

“Teachers and school personnel are critical partners in this endeavor. They have a big role in disseminating information and raising awareness, especially on sensitive issues such as toxic poisoning. They are the first line of defense, so it is imperative that they know how to protect our children and themselves from toxic harm,” Gutierrez said.

The government has banned the use of mercury and mercury-laden gadgets and equipment in all Philippine schools, including school clinics, Luistro said.

The DepEd also banned the use of asbestos-containing wire gauzes in public high schools. Asbestos is banned in 54 countries due to its proven carcinogenic effect among people who get exposed to it.