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MANILA, Philippines — An advisory reminding the mandatory use of lead-safe paints and campaigning for a stricter ban on unsafe paints in local government units (LGUs) has been issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The agency issued the advisory last April 14, reaffirming its call on local officials to advance their initiatives to bolster the ban of architectural, decorative, household, and industrial containing lead.
The six-year phase-out period for lead-containing paints has ended. However, non-compliant products, including those imported from other countries, are still being sold locally, according to environmental groups EcoWaste Coalition and International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) said on Monday.
The agency mandated lead-safe paints and progressive legislation by LGUs five years ago by implementing Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2018-26 in line with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2013-24 that outlawed lead in paint manufacturing and similar coatings.
“Accordingly, this department acknowledges the necessity of furthering the implementation and dissemination of the subject MC to ensure the LGUs’ continuous cooperation and compliance therewith and sustain the gains of the campaign,” the advisory said.
“Similarly, LGUs are urged to extend and bolster their initiatives to control the sale of lead-based paints and other similar coatings. This, notwithstanding the noteworthy decrease of lead-based paints in the market, affirms that the campaign is effective and feasible, and the paint and coatings industry is committed to adhering to the regulation,” it added.
For their part, EcoWaste and IPEN welcomed DILG’s move, which will “help in upholding the country’s ban on lead-containing paints.”
“Other national government agencies were encouraged to follow suit to ensure that children, women of childbearing age, workers, and other vulnerable groups are protected against the harmful effects of lead exposure to paints, dust, and soil containing lead,” the groups said.