INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Pro-environment group Ecowaste Coalition is calling on business owners to adhere to laws banning the use of toxic chemicals in children’s toys.
The group said it has monitored several toys in the Philippine market containing phthalates, or chemicals that can affect children’s health, and may lead to learning difficulties, cardiovascular diseases, and other illnesses.
“Studies in animals and humans have linked phthalate exposure to a wide range of health problems, including asthma and allergic illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficits, learning difficulties and intellectual disability, and reproductive health disorders such as genital abnormalities,” it said in a statement on Saturday.
Ecowaste Coalition campaigner Manny Calonzo asked businesses to refrain from selling soft toys, which may contain polyvinyl chloride plastic and phthalates.
“As the PVC ban on toys is not yet in place, we urge business establishments to refrain from selling soft toys that are not authorized, certified and labeled PVC- and phthalate-free,” Calonzo said.
The group also reminded consumers to follow the guidelines below to ensure that they buy safe toys for children:
- Steer clear of products made of PVC, vinyl or plastic marked #3.
- Refrain from buying soft and squeaky plastic toys unless certified phthalate-free.
- Avoid plastic products with a strong chemical smell.
- Purchase duly authorized and labeled products from licensed distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
- Look for reliable phthalate-free marks on the product label.