Buyers urged to check labels on toys before purchase

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Environment Secretary Ramon Paje advised shoppers to avoid buying toys and other gift items without proper labeling as these may contain toxic or hazardous chemicals.

Paje said shoppers should check the labels of the gifts they buy, especially cheap toys from China, and report to authorities if they find products that are not properly labelled.

In a statement, Paje noted that toys from China have flooded the market, and some of these could have high lead content which could make children ill.

“As parents, we have to be mindful of the gifts we give to our children. Life may be difficult, but still it is no reason to patronize toys that are cheap but dangerous to their health,” he said.

“I advise parents and other gift-givers to be extra-careful, and be updated on news reports.  The government, the media and some well-meaning non-government organizations never fail to inform the public of their findings.  There is no more reason for us to fall victim to unscrupulous business practices,” he added.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, exposure to lead could be toxic to body organs and tissues, particularly the reproductive and nervous systems. Children exposed to lead could have learning problems and behavioral disorders.

Lead is a metal that comes in granule, foil, sheet or powder forms.

Paje said the DENR was working with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure that the guidelines on proper labeling of locally made toys and other products are followed.

The DENR is also poised to issue a directive that would regulate the importation and use of lead and its compounds in the country.

At present, the Environmental Management Bureau is conducting  public consultations on the proposed chemical control order for lead.

The proposed order would cover importation, distribution, manufacture and use of lead and lead compounds, as well as their storage, transport and disposal of wastes.

Lead is often used as raw materials or additives by such industries such as the semi-conductor sector, printing, smelting, recycling and soldering. It is also used to make ammunition, batteries, paint and pigments.

Lead-based paint is used in bridges, ships, railways and other steel structures because they slow down rusting and corrosion of iron and steel.

In connection with lead use, the DENR is also monitoring registered industries to check compliance with other regulations that require users, importers and manufacturers of chemicals to submit an annual report on their waste disposal.