“Beware of Halloween items that may be scarier and spookier than they look.”
THIS was the statement from toxic watchdog BAN Toxics as stores began displaying items for early Halloween shopping. The group cautioned the public against buying Halloween costumes and decorations that may contain toxic lead and cadmium – chemicals listed as major public health concerns.
In a recent market monitoring, BAN Toxics purchased six Halloween masks and tested them for chemical content using a Vanta C Series HH XRF Analyzer. The group found toxic lead levels of up to 1,130 parts per million (ppm) and cadmium levels of up to 160 ppm. Furthermore, all the masks failed to meet the existing product labeling standards mandated by RA 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.
“Parents should be wary of the creepy and scary presence of toxic chemicals in children’s products which may lead to various health problems,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
Under DAO 2013-24, or the DENR Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, the use of lead in the production and sale of toys and school supplies is strictly prohibited.
The WHO factsheet on lead poisoning meanwhile says, “Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with permanent intellectual disability and behavioural disorders. At lower levels of exposure that cause no obvious symptoms, lead is now known to produce a spectrum of injury across multiple body systems. In particular, lead can affect children’s brain development, resulting in reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), behavioural changes such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behaviour, and reduced educational attainment.”
Cadmium on the other hand is known to have toxic effects on the kidney, skeletal system, respiratory system, and is classified as a human carcinogen.
Republic Act 10620 mandates toy manufacturers to comply with the labeling requirements stated on the toy packaging, which include – License to Operate (LTO) number issued by the FDA, age grading, cautionary statements/warnings, instructional literature, manufacturer’s markings with the complete name and address of the local company, and the item model/Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number.
BAN Toxics urges regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to conduct post-market surveillance and eventually confiscate unlabeled and unnotified toys and child care articles (TCCA), such as Halloween products, in the market.”
“Preventing the spread of unsafe children’s products in the market should be the core action not just of a single agency but a concerted effort by all stakeholders, including local government units and the general public,” the group added.
With the Halloween season just a few days away, BAN Toxics advises the public to celebrate in a toxic-free and eco-friendly way with the following 3 simple tips:
1. REUSE or MAKE-YOUR-OWN. Instead of buying new decorations or costumes, reuse old ones. You can also endeavor in arts and crafts by using household items and old clothes to make your own. However, be sure to avoid face paints that may contain toxic chemicals.
2. BUY FROM ESTABLISHED STORES. If you need to buy, opt for products that are properly labeled and notified by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and DTI, to ensure safety and compliance with health and environmental standards.
3. AVOID SINGLE-USE PLASTICS. Minimize your environmental impact by steering clear of decorations, costumes, or party supplies made from single-use plastics. Opt for sustainable, reusable alternatives or biodegradable options to reduce plastic waste.
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