‘Banned asbestos wire gauze still used in high school, college labs’

MANILA, Philippines—The cancer-causing asbestos wire gauze is still used in high school and college science laboratories despite the ban ordered two years ago.

The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) reported having again seen the same hazardous wire gauze they saw in several school science laboratories two years ago.

“We found out about this after a series of visits in several schools following the opening of classes in public schools on June 3 and in private schools on June 10,” said ALU-TUCP advocacy officer Alan Tanjusay.

The organization back in 2011 called the attention of education authorities to the cancer-risk exposure of students, teachers and school staff from the asbestos-laden wire gauzes used in science experiments.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) in November 2011 readily banned the use of asbestos-laden wire gauzes in schools.

Asbestos was widely used for decades in homes and water pipes until the late 70’s when the construction material was confirmed to cause cancer years after one has been exposed to the material.

“(We) urge the DepEd, CHED and private school officials to ensure that the directive and memorandum they issued in removing these wire gauzes from campuses are enforced to the letter,” Tanjusay said.

The wire gauzes are used as heat insulators of beakers exposed to direct heat.

Repeated exposure to direct flame and high temperature make the wire gauzes fragile, causing unseen asbestos dust particles to crumble off.

Once inhaled, the asbestos particles lodge in the lungs and other internal organs. Cancer and other asbestos-related diseases were found to develop many years later after exposure.

“If these (asbestos materials) are not removed from campuses, the health of our students, teachers and non-teaching staff would be in great risk to first-hand and second-hand exposures. We urge the DepEd, CHEd and private schools officials to take action as soon as possible,” Tanjusay said.

The ALU-TUCP also called for the proper collection and disposal of the asbestos materials from the schools following standard safety procedures.