Environmental group seeks DepEd support vs lead-coated goods

MANILA, Philippines – An environmental group, which discovered that raincoats in some of Manila’s famous “tiangge” (thrift) shops have lead content, is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to coordinate with them, their project coordinator said over 990AM interview Tuesday.

“Sana ay makatuwang na natin ang DepEd lalo na sila yung may pangunahing gabay sa atin [We hope that we can partner with DepEd, especially since they should be guiding us first],” said Thony Dizon of EcoWaste Coalition.

The coalition, with the assistance of US-Based visiting doctor, Dr. Joe DiGangi, of the International POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) Elimination Network, reported that chemical tests yielded lead in raincoats and other school supplies bought at the 168 Mall, Tutuban Mall and adjacent retail stores in Divisoria last July 22.

Out of the 25 raincoat samples, 15 were found to be high in lead content using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, Dizon said.

Dizon said that the lead was a neurotoxin which was bad for the brain and could lower our intelligence quotient (IQ) levels.