PHL Hailed in Geneva for Regulation on Lead in Paint

The Philippines was cited as an example of a country that has successfully introduced regulation to limit and eventually eliminate the use of lead in paint, the Department of Foreign Affairs in a statement said.

DFA said this was during a panel discussion held at the sidelines of the 2nd meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the International Conference on Chemicals Management in Geneva from December 15 to 17.

The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), approved and enacted a Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds in December 2013 after long negotiations with industry groups, civil society organizations and other government agencies.

The Order regulates the use of lead in paint and eventually phase it out, in light of studies proving the long-term detrimental effect of lead on health. Exposure to lead can result in anemia, learning disabilities and reduced cognitive potential.

The Philippines received commendation not only for its consultative approach to crafting the regulation, which meant that stakeholders felt a greater sense of responsibility and ownership when complying with the regulation, but also for promoting transparency in the implementation process. The Order ensures public access to records while protecting trade secrets and other similar information.

The event, which was entitled “Global Lead Paint Elimination by 2020: Where Are We At and What Will it Take to Succeed?,” was organized by the UN Environment Programme, the World Health Organization, and the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), a global network of public interest groups active in environment and public health issues.

The Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, represented by First Secretary Arnel G. Talisayon, made the presentation on behalf of the DENR. (DFA)