CHRISTMAS need not be hazardous, says a toxic advocate group as it urged local government units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to strictly implement restrictions on the use of toxic chemicals in making toys for kids.
Safe toy advocate Thony Dizon in his capacity as Ban Toxics lead campaigner, particularly hinted at the commercially sold bouncy (also known as inflatable hoppers) and squeaky plastic toys containing toxic chemicals, which include chlorinated paraffins posing severe health risks among children.
Based on scientific studies, chlorinated paraffins widely used in various plastics have been linked to liver and kidney damage, disruptions in the endocrine system, potential cancer risks, developmental brain impairments, and threats to reproductive health.
Recent market surveillance conducted by BT Patrollers took note of an “open sale” of risky toys in stalls in Baclaran (Parañaque) and Pasay City. Bouncy toys are being sold at P300-350, while the squeaky plastic toys range from P60-150.
Interestingly, the chemical (short-chain chlorinated paraffins) referred to by the group as being utilized as flame retardant, adhesive, sealant, and secondary plasticizer, have been banned during the 2017 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
A study published by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) in October this year revealed alarming levels of these toxins in toys. Analysis conducted at a certified laboratory at the Institute of Food Analysis and Nutrition of the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czechia, confirmed that all plastic toys tested contained both SCCPs and MCCPs (Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins). Concentrations of SCCPs ranged from 1-60,400 mg/kg., while MCCP concentrations varied from 1-73,800 mg/kg. The highest concentrations of both SCCPs and MCCPs (48,800 and 91,700 mg/kg) were found in inflatable plastic bouncing toys.
“The manufacture, sale, and use of these toxic chemicals in plastic toys should be prohibited in the Philippine market since it is already banned under the Stockholm Convention to prevent potential health risks to children,” Dizon said.
Calling for immediate action, Dizon added, “We urge the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to take necessary measures to eliminate the use of SCCPs and MCCPs in plastic toys, safeguarding children from harmful exposure.”
As a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) since 2004, the Philippines is mandated to eliminate, restrict, and reduce the production, use, and trade of listed POP chemicals, which include SCCPs. This mandate also necessitates environmentally sound management of POP stockpiles and wastes.
The lack of adequate and proper labeling exacerbates the issue, given the widespread global production of chlorinated paraffins. This highlights the critical need for transparency and traceability in plastic product materials to facilitate informed decision-making throughout the product value chain.
“We urge our lawmakers to enact legislation prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals, especially in children’s products including toys. Transparency and traceability measures in the production of plastic toys are crucial. Banning the manufacture, sale, and use of these toxic substances is paramount to safeguarding children’s health and the environment,” the group ended.
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