 |
| Photo by Gigie Cruz |
Is your child safe with his/her toys? I'm sure you've heard of toy recalls in the past by some international major toy manufacturers because of harmful materials contained in some of their toy products.
A study by a toxic watchdog just recently released the results of the first ever public investigation of toxic metals in children’s products such as toys, cosmetics and accessories in the Philippines.
At a press conference held in Quezon City, the EcoWaste Coalition through its “State of the Toys Analysis” (SOTA) revealed that 30% of the 200 imported, as well as locally-made, children’s products bought from a variety of shops and locations in Metro Manila tested with at least one toxic metal above levels of concern.
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.
Here are sample toys containing lead above the US regulatory limit of 90 ppm:
Wooden Number Blocks
Toy, from National Book Store; manufactured by Wagas Craft; NB-001.
| Element | Level (PPM) |
|---|---|
| Lead: | 12053 |
| Arsenic: | 1758 |
| Chromium: | 7053 |
| Mercury: | 42 |
Rubber fabric ball and dice
Toy, from Divisoria; manufactured by China; CH300373.
| Element | Level (PPM) |
|---|---|
| Lead: | 6160 |
| Arsenic: | 437 |
| Chromium: | 5306 |
Zudy Dolls
Toy, from Divisoria; manufactured by China.
| Element | Level (PPM) |
|---|---|
| Lead: | 1757 |
| Antimony: | 1757 |
| Arsenic: | 179 |
| Chromium: | 688 |
We love to give out toys to kids, we just need to think twice the next time we do so.
Links:
0 comments:
Speak up your mind
Tell us what you're thinking... !