AS retailers begin to showcase items for early back-to-school shopping, chemicals and waste watchdog BAN Toxics warns parents to take extra caution when buying school supplies, as some products may contain toxic substances that put children’s health at risk.
In its recent market monitoring, the group found that various school supplies are already being sold by ambulant vendors and retail stores, including bags, water containers, lunch boxes, notebooks, pens and pencils, plastic covers, crayons, erasers, watercolors, and rain gear items such as raincoats. Some of the items are improperly labeled or have no product information.
“School supplies should be completely free from hazardous chemicals, as children are especially vulnerable to toxic exposure. Proper labeling helps verify product safety and enables parents to make informed choices,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
“We urge parents and the public to read product labels carefully and stay vigilant in checking for safety information to help protect children from toxic exposure,” he added.
Regulatory agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have issued guidelines and reminders to consumers regarding the purchase of school supplies. They also ensure that manufacturers of such products adhere to regulations prohibiting the use of harmful chemicals in children’s products.
The Department of Trade and Industry issued in 2024 a guide for buying school supplies, titled “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies,” cautioning the public that products labeled as “non-toxic” should provide proof that they have passed the allowed toxicity levels set by the FDA and the country of manufacture.
Meanwhile, the FDA also issued an advisory reminding parents, teachers, and consumers to exercise caution when purchasing school supplies, especially those used by very young children.
Last year, the group found traces of toxic chemicals in several school supplies, including a kiddie backpack that contained 11,900 parts per million (ppm) of lead and a water container with 48,000 ppm. Moreover, all the contaminated items lacked complete product information and warning labels essential for protecting consumer health and safety.
“BAN Toxics calls on national agencies to conduct on-site inspections of school supplies in public markets and malls to ensure that sellers comply with existing product safety standards. Consumers must be assured access to affordable, quality, and non-toxic school supplies that do not pose health risks to children,” the group emphasized.
The group reiterated the following reminders on buying school supplies as stated in the FDA advisory:
* Be sure to read the labels of the school supplies.
* Choose school supplies suitable for your children.
* Periodically examine school supplies for breakage or wear that may cause injury or other risk to the health and safety of the child. In such cases, discard them properly.
* Always buy school supplies from reputable retailers or outlets.
* Immediately consult a physician in cases of accidental ingestion or any adverse health effects while using school supplies.
* Contact the Food and Drug Administration if your children encounter safety and/or health-related problems.
As part of its Toxics-Free Schools Campaign, the group will step up market monitoring and test-buys during the back-to-school season to identify the presence of hazardous chemicals in children’s products and promote safer school supplies
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