EcoWaste Coalition said some of the school supplies it had sent to a private laboratory for analysis were found to have lead content of up to 140,000 parts per million (ppm).
The group noted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Administrative Order 2013-24 prohibits the use of lead in the making of school supplies.
Also, it said, the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) prohibits lead greater than 90 ppm in paint or any similar surface coatings of children’s products.
It added the US law sets a limit of 100 ppm of lead content in any accessible component part of a product for children, such as zippers of school bags.
The group said it bought various school supplies with prices ranging from P7.50 to P599.75, from retailers in Divisoria and Quiapo in Manila; and in Makati City.
It then had the items tested for lead by SGS, a global testing company.
The group also quoted pediatric toxicologist Bessie Antonio of the East Avenue Medical Center as saying lead is particularly dangerous to young children “because their growing bodies absorb and keep more lead than adults do.”
She warned the damage to their brains and nervous systems is “often irreversible, but fully preventable.”
The group said the tests showed lead levels of school supplies were found way above the threshold limits under the US CPSIA:
- Standard Office Plus yellow thumbtacks (P24.75), 140,000 ppm
- Backpack (P100), 120,000 ppm
- Backpack with yellow zipper (P150), 97,000 ppm
- Yellow steel vacuum flask (P100), 78,000 ppm
- “Artex Fine Water Colors” (P50), 37,000 ppm
- Blackboard (P35), 32,000 ppm
- “Luck” giant paper clip with “Angry Bird” décor (P7.50), 16,000 ppm
- Transparent backpack with orange zipper (P299), 13,000 ppm
- “Fashion Girl” backpack (P599.75), 170 ppm
EcoWaste pointed out the products did not indicate lead content on the label to inform and warn consumers.
Meanwhile, the group issued tips for last-minute shoppers who want to avoid lead-tainted school supplies:
- Look for and read the product label carefully
- Avoid PVC school supplies, as they may contain lead and other toxic additives
- Do not buy products coated with paints unless certified “lead safe”
- Avoid buying products with a strong chemical smell
- Ask for a receipt or any proof of purchase
— Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News
