TOXICS watchdog BAN Toxics has issued a warning to parents and children against buying toys inspired by the popular online game “Roblox” due to the presence of toxic lead and other harmful chemicals.
In a recent market monitoring, BAN Toxics purchased and tested the mini-action figure toy from an ambulant vendor in Quezon City. The sample was analyzed using a Vanta C Series HH XRF Analyzer, which revealed toxic lead levels of up to 1,460 parts per million (ppm), along with other hazardous chemicals such as antimony, arsenic, bromine, chromium, and mercury.
The toy likewise failed to meet the existing product labeling standards mandated by RA 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.
“Parents should take extra care in buying this toy that has harmful chemicals such as lead which is a known brain damaging toxin,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
The WHO factsheet on lead poisoning says, “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.”
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.
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.
Last year, the group published a study titled” Not Suitable for Children: Toxic Chemicals in Plastic Toys Sold in Bangladesh and the Philippines” which found that 62.64% out of 161 toys sampled showed chemical levels exceeding safety standards in both countries, posing serious health risks to children and their families.
The group highlighted the following recommendations in the study to address the gaps in regulations on toy safety and chemicals in plastics:
1. National toy safety standards should align with international guidelines, incorporating stricter regulations on toxicity and improving enforcement to protect children from chemical risks. National regulations should be updated to reflect the latest international standards, with a focus on restricting chemicals known or suspected to have carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic effects. This should include substances beyond the common eight migratable elements and six ortho-phthalates, specifying clear requirements for these chemicals.
2. Transparency and traceability measures, such as harmonized labeling of chemicals used in toy production, are essential for improving monitoring and control. The study also recommends further investigation into the transboundary hazardous toy trade to inform policies addressing this issue at the regional or international level. Stricter enforcement of these regulations will enhance coordination and strengthen countries’ efforts to regulate harmful toys.
3. Enhancing the enforcement of legal requirements—particularly for imported toys—requires a review and strengthening of regulatory agencies. Additional measures should be imposed on manufacturers, importers, and distributors to prevent hazardous toys from entering the market and to swiftly address risks once products are available. Regulatory bodies must be equipped to closely monitor trade, identify potential hazards, and remove unsafe toys when risks are detected. Furthermore, the draft Order revising the Rules and Regulations Governing the Issuance of Authorization for Toys and Childcare Articles provides an opportunity for the country to thoroughly update its policies and regulations.
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) in the market.
“A concerted effort by regulatory agencies, local government units, and the consuming public should be initiated to raise awareness on safe toys for kids and prevent the unlawful sale of unregistered and unnotified children’s products in the country,” the group stressed.
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