Buy only labelled gifts, shoppers advised

MANILA, Philippines—Environment Secretary Ramon Paje reminded shoppers not to buy toys and other gift items that were not properly labelled as they may contain toxic or other hazardous chemicals.

Paje said shoppers should check the labels of the gifts they buy, especially cheap toys from China, and report to authorities products that are not properly labelled.

In a statement, Paje noted that toys from China had flooded the market and some of them could have high lead content which could make children ill.

“As parents, we have to be mindful of the gifts we give to our children. Life may be difficult, but still it is no reason to patronize toys that are cheap but dangerous to their health,” he said.

“I advise parents and other gift-givers to be extra careful, and be updated on news reports. The government, media and some well-meaning nongovernment organizations never fail to inform the public of their findings.  There is no more reason for us to fall victim to unscrupulous business practices,” he said.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, exposure to lead could be toxic to the organs and tissues, and to the reproductive and nervous system. Children exposed to lead could have learning problems and behavioral disorders.

Lead is a metal that comes in granule, foil, sheet or powder form.

Paje said the DENR was working with the Department of Trade and Industry in ensuring that the guidelines on proper labeling of locally made toys and other products were followed.

The DENR is also poised to issue a directive that would regulate the importation and use of lead and its compounds in the country.

At present, the Environmental Management Bureau is conducting public consultations on the proposed chemical control order for lead.

The order would cover the importation, distribution, manufacture and use of lead and lead compounds, as well as their storage, transport and disposal.

Lead is often used as a raw material or additive in such industries such as the semi-conductor sector, printing, smelting, recycling and soldering. It is also used to make ammunition, batteries, paint and pigments.

Lead-based paint is used on bridges, ships, railways and other steel structures because they slow down rusting and corrosion of iron and steel.

In connection with lead use, the DENR is monitoring registered industries to check their compliance with regulations that require users, importers and manufacturers of chemicals to submit an annual report on their waste disposal.