Lead-tainted toy rulers sold in Metro Manila – EcoWaste

Members of the EcoWaste Coalition inform the public about cheap toys, including counterfeit versions of popular brands, that carry the toxic substance, lead. (RADYO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA — A toxics watchdog has warned parents of lead-tainted toy rulers being sold outside schools in Metro Manila.

The Quezon City-based EcoWaste Coalition released a warning on Sunday that cautioned parents against buying cheap toy rulers, which were found to contain high levels of the poisonous substance, lead.

EcoWaste said this dangerous substance could enter the body of children through inhalation or ingestion and cause serious neurological problems.

The group said they were able to buy toy rulers with Ninja Turtle characters for P5 each from sari-sari stores outside the Nicanor Garcia Elementary School along JB Roxas Street in Brgy. Olympia, Makati City.

EcoWaste said the ruler contained 47,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead based on the X-Ray Fluorescense screening conducted by the group.

“As a precaution against potential lead exposure, we advise parents not to allow their children to buy and use this toxic ruler that also functions as a wrist band,” said EcoWaste Project Protect coordinator Thony Dizon.

He said the product was made of a metal sheet covered with a plastic wrapper and coated with paint that also contained lead above the restriction for the product.

Citing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Order 2013-24 or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, EcoWaste has said the allowable limit for paint is 90 parts per million. Dizon said this measure  also prohibited the use of lead in school supplies and toys.

“Sooner or later, the plastic wrap will get torn with frequent use exposing the lead-coated metal strip,” he added.  SFM/rga