Group says lead-tainted Quiapo-made souvenirs dangerous to children

Tourists should shy away from buying souvenir items sold in Quiapo, Manila, as these contain lead.

This was the latest finding of environmental watch group EcoWaste Coalition in its ongoing Toxics-Free Summer Campaign aimed at warning the public about harmful chemicals found in toys, art materials and even religious figures sold in retail stores in Metro Manila.

The environment group reported that 38 out of 50 sample key chains it bought from stores in Quiapo had lead of up to 80,500 parts per million (ppm) based on tests using an X-ray fluorescence device.

The samples which sold at prices ranging from P10 to P35 were made of plastic, metal or wood and coated with paint.

EcoWaste Coalition Project Protect coordinator Thony Dizon noted that the decorative fobs attached to the key rings could easily appeal to a “child’s curiosity and liking.”

“Adults might give such nicely designed but lead-laden key chains to kids who may use them as a toy… As the item may potentially land in a child’s hands and mouth, it is important for [makers of these] key chains to comply with the government’s regulatory policy on lead,” Dizon said.

He added that the key chain’s paint could deteriorate over time and with frequent use, and release the lead as a chip or dust which a child may swallow or inhale.

In December 2013, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje signed a chemical control order for lead and lead compounds which strictly prohibited the use of the toxic chemical in toys. It also set a 90-ppm limit for lead paints.

The World Health Organization has included lead in the Top 10 chemicals of major public health concern as it has been found to damage the nervous system or result in behavioral issues, reduced intelligence and learning disabilities.

Because of this recent finding, EcoWaste urged makers and sellers of souvenir items to use lead-safe paints and list a product’s ingredients to help consumers make an informed choice.