Environmental group bares toxic ingredients in children's products

Several imported and locally made children's products bought from shops in Metro Manila tested positive for potentially dangerous levels of at least one toxic metal, an ecological group said. In its “State of the Toys Analysis" (SOTA), the EcoWaste Coalition said that of 200 samples, 37 products (19 percent) were found in violation of the US regulatory limit for lead, a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure, with values ranging from 90 parts per million (ppm) to over 12,000 ppm. "The chemical analysis conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition in collaboration with the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) shows that antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury can be found in toys and other children's products for sale in bargain stores in Baclaran and Divisoria, 'ukay-ukay' shops and even in giant shopping malls in the metropolis," the group said in a blog post. But the group also said many of the products tested did not contain toxic metals or had very low levels of them, showing it is possible to manufacture "safe" products. For its part, the FDA reminded makers of toys and children's products to practice social responsibility. It endorsed the initiatives of EcoWaste and IPEN in the research survey on the presence of toxic elements in consumer products, especially those for children. "The availability of breakthrough technology that can quickly and accurately test for the presence of harmful chemicals in consumer products can significantly boost monitoring efforts," FDA head Suzette Lazo said. She also said it is imperative that all stakeholders, the public and those in the regulated industries, participate to achieve the goal of toxic-free products. Lazo also urged consumers to report to the FDA at telephone 807-8275 or the nearest DOH Center for Health Development or the health offices of local government units any product suspected to be hazardous to health, for appropriate action. Meanwhile, EcoWaste said the lead-tainted products they found are:

• toy cars and dolls
• fake food items that invited chewing
• cosmetics that are applied directly to the skin
• floor matting commonly used to cushion areas where infants play
• character toys
• jump rope
• wooden tractors and puzzles

EcoWaste said the study also found three children's cosmetic products containing mercury, another notorious neurotoxin, at levels significantly higher than the regulatory limit in the Philippines of 1 ppm – ranging from 4 to 77 ppm. It said the products included lipstick and eye shadows designed to be applied directly to the lips and skin. Visiting American scientist Dr. Joseph Di Gangi conducted the tests from July 17 to 19, using a portable X-Ray Flourescence (XRF) analyzer widely used by the private sector and regulatory agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. “The findings raise valid safety concerns for toxic exposure among children and send a strong signal to the toy industry to shape up, phase out harmful chemicals in their products and shift to safer ingredients," said Di Gangi, IPEN Science and Policy Adviser. — LBG, GMA News