VARIOUS stakeholders are mobilizing for Brigada Eskwela as the resumption of classes draws near. Those involved in this unique bayanihan should aim for zero waste and toxics-free school clean-up and renovation activities.
Do not mix and burn trash, break busted fluorescent lamps or disturb painted surfaces, which may be coated with lead-containing paints. Open burning creates byproduct toxins, including highly toxic dioxins, which can trigger eye, throat and skin irritation, headaches, asthma and heart problems. Dioxins are known to cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, and damage the immune system.
Mixing used compact and linear fluorescent lamps with other discards may cause their glass tubes to break and release the mercury vapor inside that can be inhaled by people, including waste workers. Exposure to mercury can damage the brain and the central nervous system and result in neurological and behavioral disorders.
Improper handling of surfaces coated with leaded paints will contaminate the surroundings with lead-containing chips and dust that are harmful if ingested or inhaled, especially by children and women of child-bearing age. Lead is a cumulative toxicant affecting various organs and systems of the body, including the brain and the central nervous system, and is particularly harmful to babies in the womb and young children.
For a zero waste and toxics-free Brigada Eskwela, environmental and health group EcoWaste Coalition urges participants, especially school administrators, teachers, parents, students, non-teaching personnel and volunteers to take the following reminders to heart:
* Observe the proper segregation of discards at source to facilitate their reuse, recycling or composting, and to minimize the volume of garbage for disposal. Put up some reminders on ecological solid waste management.
* Do not set trash on fire to prevent the generation of environmental pollutants such as fine particles, heavy metals and dioxins.
* Compost biodegradable discards such as yard trimmings to produce natural fertilizer or soil enhancer for the school garden.
* Clean up the school’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), also known as Ecology Center, including the containers or segregators for properly-labeled recyclable and compostable discards.
* Handle busted fluorescent lamps with care to prevent mercury spill; do not mix such lamps with ordinary trash, and properly store and dispose of them as hazardous waste.
* Choose safer cleaning agents and refrain from using hazardous substances that are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract such as oxalic and muriatic acid.
* Keep the school premises smoke-free by not smoking or vaping and burning garbage.
* Use only certified lead-safe paints for school interiors, exteriors, furniture and fixtures, gymnasium, play equipment and other school amenities.
