A young girl combs her hair after a dip in Manila Bay on Friday. Manila residents tried to find comfort in various ways as temperature soared to 35.9 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day on record in the metropolis so far this year, according to weather bureau PAGASA. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – An ecological group on Saturday warned of toxic substances in plastic beach toys being sold in Manila’s Quiapo district.
The EcoWaste Coalition said some of the toys had pthalates or synthetic chemicals that make PVC plastic items pliable and durable, but may cause potential health problems.
Citing test results from testing company SGS, the group said some toys exceeded the 0.1-percent limit for phthalates in children’s toys.
It said the items with potential health threats include:
a yellow and orange swim ring with sun design, costing P59, had 19.6 percent DEHP and 1.29 percent DINP.
a blue swim arm band, costing P50, had 19.4 percent DEHP.
a blue and white “baby boat” float with a yellow steering wheel, costing P129, had 17.5 percent DEHP and 0.78 percent DINP.
“Children’s safety from drowning is a top priority as they frolic in the water to beat the summer heat. We need to keep them safe from drowning, as well as from toxic pollutants that can put their health at risk,” said group coordinator Anthony Dizon.
Meanwhile, the group urged health authorities to act manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of such toys.
It is to submit on Monday the laboratory test results to the Food and Drugs Administration for regulatory action. (MNS)