ZERO MERCURY CAMPAIGN

Ban Toxics!, an environmental organization actively pushing for the prevention of toxics pollution, conducted a forum in University of the Philippines attended by multi-sectoral groups. Among those invited were colleges and schools and UC Banilad College of Nursing was represented by Mr. Ronaldo O. Quitco and Ms. Helen Mae Pogoy, CESDEV-Nursing Coordinators.

Taking the mercury issue to heart, Atty. Richard Gutierrez, executive director of Ban Toxics!, asserts, “This is a no-brainer. Mercury is a neurotoxin, it affects the brain. In school, where we strive to impart and increase a child’s ability to learn, why should we expose them to the dangers of mercury by using these toxins?”

Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is one of the most dangerous metals known to man. Together with lead, it causes thousands of poisonings every year all over the world. The incidents involve something as simple as breaking a thermometer or an everyday household item such as a fluorescent light bulb, or being exposed to certain latex paints. Mercury is also found in electrical switches, certain art supplies, and dental amalgams. It is likewise present in many fungicides and pesticides.

Mercury affects the central nervous system, damaging the kidneys and causing severe brain damage. Mercury vapors cause serious respiratory system disorders.

Ban Toxics! particularly notes that mercury is a potent neurotoxin which can cause adverse effects on the developing brain. Its adverse effects include attention deficits as well as IQ, motor, memory, and language impairment. Most susceptible to the ill effects of mercury are growing children, the unborn fetus, and pregnant women.