Environmentalists warn against lead-tainted charms

LUCKY CHARMS Chinese twins Trixia and Trixie hold monkey figurines in Ongpin, Binondo a day before the Chinese New Year. INQUIRER PHOTO / ELOISA LOPEZ

Rice, noodles and peanuts are better lucky charms to welcome the Year of the Monkey rather than the traditional Chinese tokens, according to an environmental watchdog.

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, EcoWaste Coalition warned against lead-tainted lucky charms sold in stores.

EcoWaste coordinator Thony Dizon said his group had found excessive lead content in the 20 charms and ornaments they sampled in Binondo and Quiapo in Manila.

The charms were being sold for between P20 and P250 each, he said.

Lead is a toxic substance linked to brain damage and other health and behavioral problems, especially among children exposed to it in household products.

Not for children

“Unfortunately, some lucky charms are still decorated with paints that contain outrageous levels of toxic lead,” Dizon said.

“While not intended for children’s use, these products may get into the hands of a curious child who may think these are playthings. Kids might even bite or swallow these toxic charms,” he said.

Dizon urged feng shui believers to choose instead the edible kind of lucky charms.

He suggested ginger or taro for bonding relationships, fruits and sweets on a round tray for togetherness, noodles for long life, peanuts for health, rice for fertility and luck, and “tikoy” for increased prosperity.

“Of course, nothing can beat fervent prayers, healthy lifestyle, good deeds and lots of hard work for a better year ahead,” he said.

High lead levels

In a news conference, EcoWaste showed the items it found to have the highest lead levels.

They included a lucky dragon amulet, a painted dragon statuette on a glass base, a small monkey figurine, a small Buddha statue, a monkey ornament with the word “happiness,” and a Wu Lo amulet.