Christmas is just around the corner and many Pinoys will purchase again toys, kids accessories, and other stuff as gifts for the coming holidays.
But one environmental group warns the public about the possible presence of lead, especially on reusable color-coated vacuum flasks, which are harmful especially to children.
EcoWaste Coalition screened six vacuum flasks bought from retailers in Manila and Quezon City for P100 to P388 each.
The group used a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) device and found a “Minions” flask coated with lead paint at 84,100 ppm, a “Living Quality” flask with bunnies and carrot design at 38,600 ppm, a “Stainless Steel Vacuum Cup” with SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star characters at 33,800 ppm, and a “Happy Day for You” flask at 6,108 ppm.
Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner said out of six samples, they found four vaccum cups decorated with yellow and red paint contain high levels of lead way beyond the 90 parts per million (ppm) regulatory limit.
“Lead is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health problems, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women,” he said.
“Children could touch and ingest the lead in paint on the exterior surface of the flask when they drink from it, especially if the paint has started to chip due to scratching and frequent use,” Dizon added.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) banned the manufacture of, among other things, toys, school supplies, and packaging that comes in contact with beverage or food as per the “Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Lead and Lead Compounds.
World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet also explained that lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children.
“Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health effects, particularly affecting the development of the brain and nervous system,” the WHO said.
“Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight,” WHO further explained.
EcoWaste Coalition pressed the authorities to act on the issue and implement a policy to stop the production of products with high lead content.
