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DAVAO CITY, Philippines—With the influx of imported toys, a watchdog warned the public of the lead-coated kiddie furniture proliferating in the market which poses health risks to children.
On September 2 and 4, EcoWaste Coalition obtained imported products such as a chair with backrest, a folding chair with “fiore” design and “Spongebob Squarepants” design from various stores in Luzon.
The group discovered that the yellow surface paint on the metal frame of the children’s furniture contained high concentrations of lead in excess of 90 parts per million (ppm) which is a violation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2013-24.
DENR A.O. 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, prohibits total lead content above 90 ppm in architectural, decorative and household paints.
“We urge the authorities to seize these chairs marketed for children and have them returned to their manufacturer at the expense of their importer or distributor,” Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect said.
Dizon blamed the proliferation of toxic toys in the market due to lack the required market authorization from health authorities in the form of toy and childcare article (TCCA) notifications.
“We remind consumers to exercise their rights to be informed and to be protected against hazardous goods that may expose young children to health-damaging chemicals like lead,” he added.
He further warned that the leaded paint on the metal frame will break or chip over time, spreading hazardous flakes and dust in the surroundings that children can ingest through their usual hand-to-mouth behavior. (davaotoday.com)
