EcoWaste to 20th Congress: Ban toxic substances in children’s products
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As the 19th Congress closed last week, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the incoming 20th Congress to prioritize legislation banning hazardous chemicals in school supplies and other product for children.
“We appeal to our new batch of lawmakers in both houses to list the enactment of a safe and non-toxic children’s product law among their top priorities. We need a comprehensive ban on dangerous chemicals used in children’s products, and mandatory labeling of chemicals in products to guide consumers,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.
Lucero urged legislators across party lines to champion a proposed framework law that affirms the state’s responsibility to safeguard children from chemical hazards and establish clear standards, targets, and enforcement mechanisms.
Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, an environmental health specialist from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, echoed the group’s call, noting that children are more vulnerable to toxic exposure due to their developing bodies and hand-to-mouth behavior.
“Children’s health and development are at risk from products containing hidden hazardous substances. Strong legislation is needed to ensure their protection,” Apostol said.
The call to action follows EcoWaste’s recent market monitoring, where 95 school-related products purchased from various Metro Manila cities between May 31 and June 5 were screened using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis.
Thirty-four items were found to contain toxic chemicals, including lead and cadmium, both known health hazards.
Key findings
*Seven of 10 stainless steel tumblers tested positive for lead-based paint, with levels from 1,807 parts per million (ppm) to 61,850 ppm—far exceeding the legal limit of 90 ppm. Most lacked proper labeling or safety warnings.
*Seven of 14 backpacks contained cadmium and/or lead. One unbranded backpack with a cartoon princess had 1,113 ppm lead.
*Six of eight PVC plastic raincoats tested positive for cadmium, with one yellow raincoat containing both 439 ppm cadmium and 1,316 ppm lead.
*Thirteen of 20 watercolor palettes had up to 8,480 ppm bromine, suggesting possible use of recycled electronic waste plastics.
*Ten crayon products lacked a “non-toxic” label, violating Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) labeling requirements.
EcoWaste also reported that 18 of the tested items were made of PVC plastic, a material often containing phthalates — plasticizers linked to developmental harm in children.
Safety tips
To help families choose safer supplies, EcoWaste offered the following consumer tips, now that they are preparing for the school opening:
*Read labels carefully and avoid poorly labeled items.
*Steer clear of products made from PVC plastic.
*Air out items with strong chemical odors before use.
*Choose “phthalate-free” or “PVC-free” erasers, avoiding food-shaped or scented ones.
*Select crayons and art materials labeled as “non-toxic.”
*Use plain stainless steel bottles and avoid painted ones unless certified “lead safe.”
“No child should be exposed to harmful chemicals that can jeopardize their health and development,” EcoWaste said.
The group emphasized that while safer alternatives are available, comprehensive legislation is necessary to make them the norm and ensure every child’s right to a toxic-free learning environment.
