MANILA, Philippines—The Manila Police District Station 3 in Sta. Cruz has been receiving praise from environment and health groups for their continuing drive to confiscate banned silver cleaning products, which are highly toxic.
In a statement, EcoWaste Coalition president Roy Alvarez commended the police, particularly MPD Station 3 commander Superintendent James Afalla, for their efforts. “Sustained police action is key to saving lives from this toxic threat,” he said.
The Department of Health and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released a joint advisory last year prohibiting the sale of unregistered and unlabelled silver cleaner, which contain toxic and poisonous substances such as cyanide.
Afalla and his team raided shops and stalls on Carriedo and Villalobos Streets in Quiapo last week, and confiscated 18 containers of unregistered silver jewelry cleaner.
In an interview, Afalla said they will regularly conduct the operations and implement the DoH-DENR advisory.
“We will also start including malls in our rounds. These cleaners are obvious health hazards. Even if you don’t ingest them, even if they’re just exposed to air, the toxic substances may contaminate your lungs,” Afalla said.
EcoWaste Coalition had written to the Philippine National Police urging the implementation of the ban on selling unregistered silver cleaners, citing the growing number of accidental or suicidal intake of such substances.
Because there is no clear criminal penalty for those caught selling the banned products, Afalla said the sellers were simply educated about the effects of chemical cleaner on human health and the ban.
“It’s illegal. Just stop selling or buying these products to avoid harm. Just use household alternatives like calamansi juice or vinegar,” he said.
Silver cleaning agents are considered “household hazardous substances.” Manufacturers are required by law to register them with the Food and Drug Administration before releasing them for sale.