High lead levels found in 150 imported spray paints

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MANILA, Philippines — Toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition, with International Pollutants Elimination Network and Philippine Paint & Coatings Association Inc., has warned the public against 150 imported spray paints, which contain high levels of lead and are being sold online and in stores.

EcoWaste said 106 of the 150 spray paints contained lead above 10,000 parts per million (ppm), while the rest had lead levels ranging from 50,000 ppm to 212,000 ppm.

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These were definitely higher than the 90 ppm limit set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The full list of the 150 spray paints can be found on the group’s website link: www.ecowastecoalition.org/leadspraypaints.

Exposure to lead can cause permanent adverse effects on young children, particularly on the development of their central nervous system, according to the World Health Organization. —Gillian Villanueva