SEVEN paint companies has confirmed to no longer carry products with toxic lead additives as support on Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) procurement for a lead-safe paint.
In partnership with the Ecowaste Coalition, a nationwide environmental watchdog group, submitted a position paper to the committee, which is headed by Councilor Leonardo Avila III in aid of legislation.
The companies, which prefer to be unnamed, has officially sent letters to the EcoWaste Coalition reiterating their commitment to comply with the phase-out timeline.
Local paint manufacturers begun transitioning to non-lead paint production. IDIS said that there are lead-free paints that are already available in the market.
"With no known level of exposure that is considered to be safe. It causes permanent brain and reproductive damage, learning disabilities and mental retardation and even cause behavioral problems such as aggression and violence”, IDIS Executive Director Ann Fuertes said.
World Health Organization has listed lead as one of the “ten chemicals of major public health concern”. Childhood lead exposure contributes to “about 600,000 new cases of children with intellectual disabilities every year.” Avila committed to draft a resolution to enact Davao's Lead and Mercury Safe Procurement and Disposal Ordinance.