Group warns vs unsafe watercolor

MANILA, Philippines—A toxics watch group has reiterated its warning against a brand of watercolors that tested positive for lead after it found out that the product was being sold not only in Divisoria but also in the Baclaran area.

In a press statement, EcoWaste Coalition asked the public to refrain from buying Artex Fine Water Colors after this was found to contain high levels of the toxic chemical.

Earlier this month, the group found the product being sold by sidewalk vendors in Divisoria, Manila. On May 21, it found out that vendors in Baclaran, particularly on Taft Avenue extension in Parañaque and F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay, were also selling the brand.

Samples of Artex Fine Water Colors that the group had asked a laboratory to analyze tested positive for lead ranging from 5,900 to 37,000 parts per million.

Thony Dizon, EcoWaste Coalition Project Protect coordinator, said that the manufacturer, Venus Commercial Co., had no valid license to operate.—Jaymee T. Gamil