Protect Kids from Toxic Toys, Group Urges Government
Manila Bulletin, 12 August 2007
Following a "device alert" warning issued by the Department of Health
against some imported toys containing toxic lead-based paints, the
EcoWaste Coalition today asked the government to require manufacturers
to test the toxicity of materials used in children's toys prior to sale.
The EcoWaste Coalition made the plea after Fisher-Price, a subsidiaryof Mattel Inc., announced a global recall of some 967,000 toys made in
China, including the popular Barney, Big Bird, Diego, Dora, Ernie and Elmo
characters, because the "paint on some of these products could contain
lead in excess of permissible levels."
The affected toys are marked Fisher-Price, and carry a date code
between109-7LF and 187-7LF.
Exposure to lead, a heavy metal, can lead to decreased intelligence
(IQ)scores, learning disabilities, behavior problems, mental retardation
and serious damage to the brain and other organs.
At extremely high doses, lead poisoning in children can cause seizures,
coma and death.
The eco-group also drew attention to the health hazards of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) baby products and toys as toxins leach out of PVC
objects when sucked by babies and small children. Phthalates, the industrial chemicals used to soften PVC, can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs, and interfere with hormonal and reproductive development.
PVC is described as "the most polluting of all plastics," from
production to disposal. Dioxin, the most toxic compound known to science, is produced when PVC is burned.
"We ask the government to ensure that only toys that have undergone and passed safety and toxicity tests are sold in the market. A stringent
policy against the use of harmful materials such as lead and PVC in
children's toys will push manufacturers to find safer substitutes from
which to make children's toys," said Elsie Brandes-De Veyra, a retired
nurse and member of the EcoWaste Coalition's Steering Committee.
"The mandatory labeling on toy safety is also essential to safeguard
our children from harmful toys. Thus we support Senate Bill 84 filed by
Senate President Manny Villar, which if enacted, will require the
inclusion of 'easy-to-read cautionary warnings on toys and their
packaging' as well as product information if any 'toxic, corrosive,
irritant, flammable, or combustible' material was used in the
manufacturing of the toy," De Veyra stated.
The EcoWaste Coalition reissued its "Guide for Safe Toys" to assist
consumers in making informed decisions. The guide points to safety and
environmental friendliness as key factors in making the right choices
when buying toys.
1. Choose toys that match the age, interest, aptitude, and skill of
the intended recipient, avoiding inappropriate toys that may pose safety
risks to younger children.
2. Check the warning labels and instructions, particularly the age and
safety recommendations, which should be clear to you, and when suitable,
to the child.
3. Examine the label to know if the toy does not contain toxic
chemicals such as lead, PVC and other harmful substances that can cause adverse health effects.
4. Avoid toys with small or loose parts that can easily fall out and
get swallowed, thus posing fatal danger from choking danger. Look for
sturdy toys made of non-breakable materials.
5. Check if the toy's cords or strings are not too long to entrap the
neck and cause strangulation.
6. Stay away from toys with sharp edges and points that can cause
lacerations, contusions and abrasions.
7. Avoid excessively loud toys with no volume control as this can
impair the sensitive hearing of children.
8. Keep toys' plastic wrappings, foam peanuts or paper strips away
from children to avoid choking or aspiration.
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