Keep Pinoy kids safe from toxic gifts, environmental group says

MANILA-  Ecowaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watchdog, has urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to proactively safeguard consumers from hazardous products by conducting regular tests on toys and other items being sold in the market and recalling those that put the health and
safety of children at risk.

It also recommended to the consumers to create their own gifts, give home-cooked specialties, fruits, potted plants, books, school supplies, an out of town trip or a simple family get together as alternative to the rituals of gift giving.

It cited the United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission that has been regularly ordering the recall of items containing excessive lead.

Recently, the Center for Environmental Health, also in the United States, tested about 250 children’s products bought at major retailers and found lead levels that exceeded federal limits in seven of them.

Among those toys tested with high lead levels are Barbie Bike Flair Accessory Kit and a Disney Tinkerbell Water Lily necklace. The group said it also found excessive lead in a Dora the Explorer Activity Tote, two pairs of children’s shoes, a boy’s belt and a kids’ poncho.

“We don’t want to expose our loved ones, especially our children to lead. Not during the Christmas season or any other season for that matter.  If the urge to shop is irresistible, let us please buy gifts that are free from this harmful element,” said Paeng Lopez, coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition’s campaign to phase out lead in paints.

A major environmental health hazard, exposure to lead can have a wide range of effects on a child’s development and behavior. Even when exposed to small amounts of lead levels, children may appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable. Children with greater lead levels may also have problems with learning and reading, delayed growth and hearing loss.

“We should rethink the way we buy our Christmas gifts.  More important than considering whether what we are buying will be appreciated is taking into account if it is safe,” Lopez said. (GEM)