NGOs back legislation against use of lead paint in QC projects

The Quezon Monument in Quezon City. FROM QUEZON CITY LOCAL GOVERNMENT FACEBOOK PAGE

Nongovernment organizations (NGOs) expressed support on Sunday for a proposed ordinance in Quezon City (QC) that would require the use of lead-safe paint and materials for projects of the local government.

The 17 NGOs urged the immediate passage of proposed ordinance 20CC-365 filed by District I Councilor Elizabeth Delarmente, saying it would promote safety and address health-related issues.

Meanwhile, environmental group EcoWaste Coaltion lauded the move of the Delarmente for this would benefit the residents of the city.

“We thank Councilor Delarmente for filing this timely measure in support of the national phase-out of lead-containing paints.  The obligatory use of lead-safe paints in city projects and activities will protect the people, especially young children, pregnant women and workers, from the harmful effects of lead,” Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition, said in a statement.

If passed, the ordinance will prohibit the purchase, receipt and use of paints that have more than 90 lead parts and have no proof of compliance to regulatory standards. Lead paints will also be banned for use in public structures and institutions such as parks, health centers, schools, and multi-purpose covered courts.

The NGOs that expressed their support for the proposed ordinance were EcoWaste Coalition, Action on Smoking and Health Philippines, Arugaan, Associated Labor Unions – Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Bangon Kalikasan Movement, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, FCTC Alliance Philippines, Green Convergence, Health Care Without Harm, Health Futures Foundation, Health Justice, Mother Earth Foundation, Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Piglas Kababaihan, ROTCHNA Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and WomanHealth. /cbb