Toxics-Free Schools Program: Creating Mercury-Safe Learning Environments

BAN Toxics recognizes the heightened vulnerability of children and young people to toxic chemicals due to their developing bodies, behavioral patterns, and increased exposure to environmental hazards. In response, the Toxics-Free Schools Program (TFSP) was created to protect students from harmful chemicals and waste—including mercury—while promoting a safe and healthy learning environment. The need for such a program became tragically evident in 2006, when a mercury spill at a school in Parañaque City, Philippines, resulted in the poisoning of 18 children. This incident led to the development of the Mercury-Free Schools Program (MFSP), which focused on educating school communities about mercury hazards and preventing harmful exposure. Over time, the program expanded its scope and evolved into the TFSP, encompassing a wider range of toxic substances and chemical safety practices.

The TFSP highlights issues related to mercury, plastics, and other toxic chemicals, empowering school communities with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce their use and manage them safely. Its goals include raising awareness of mercury and mercury-added products, promoting non-toxic alternatives, and advocating for stronger chemical and waste management policies in schools. Since its inception, the program has implemented a range of initiatives: teacher training on mercury handling and disposal, awareness campaigns on the dangers of mercury-added products, school inventory assessments, and the development of chemical and waste management systems. TFSP has also established school-based oversight committees, integrated toxic safety into school curricula, and collaborated with government agencies to improve relevant policies. In 2024, the program expanded its outreach through forums and film screenings with high school students, focusing on the dangers of mercury in skin-lightening products. More recently, it launched Toy Clinics as part of the “Safe Toys for Kids” campaign, educating children and parents on hazardous substances found in toys.

A major milestone was achieved in 2014 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Department of Education, institutionalizing TFSP implementation. Today, 15 official TFSP partner schools across the country benefit from the program’s holistic approach to mercury and chemical safety. By addressing the risks posed by mercury, plastics, and other hazardous substances, TFSP not only safeguards students' health but also empowers them to become proactive, informed citizens—capable of contributing to a safer, healthier future for their communities and the nation.