Lapid wants mandatory warning label on toxic household items

Lito Lapid. NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Manufacturers should include precautionary labels on simple household items that may contain toxic ingredients, Senator Lito Lapid said Monday.

Lapid filed Senate Bill No. 58 or the Hazardous Household Substances Labelling Act, which requires manufacturers to put warning labels on household items that contain poisonous substances that pose danger to public health.

“Gusto nating bigyang babala ang ating mga kababayan na itong mga simpleng gamit natin sa bahay ay naglalaman ng mga nakakalasong kemikal na maaring mapanganib sa ating kalusugan,” Lapid said in a statement.

(We want to warn our countrymen that simple household products contain hazardous chemicals that may put in danger our health.)

Lapid explained that his proposed measure is necessary to help consumers become aware that several household items have “toxic, corrosive, harmful irritants, strong sensitizers or flammable” ingredients.

Under the bill, manufacturers would be compelled to include signage or symbols that would inform consumers of a product’s possible dangers, thus, requiring manufacturers to disclose the substances used to make the item as well.

Aside from the warning signs, manufacturers would also be required to include first-aid instructions in case of accidents due to improper handling or storage of the product. /kga