AS National Poison Prevention Week is observed, environmental NGO BAN Toxics calls for heightened efforts to protect children from hazardous chemicals in everyday items such as toys, school supplies, childcare products, and clothing.

“Market monitoring and product testing show children’s items containing toxic chemicals remain widespread and unaddressed,” said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics campaign officer. “Lead, mercury, cadmium, SCCPs, and EDCs like phthalates, triclosan, and parabens are still found in consumer products, posing significant health risks. These substances are banned in children's products yet remain widely available.”

From 2023 to mid-2024, BAN Toxics monitored around 1,000 toys and 600 school supplies, some containing toxic chemicals. Dizon noted that many items tested can be purchased cheaply from bargain shops and wholesale stores, often lacking proper labeling and regulation.

Under RA 10620, the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013 mandates toys and games to have specific labeling information. Earlier this year, an Asian survey revealed that EDCs were present in some children’s care products, highlighting ongoing concerns.

“EDCs have been linked to negative health effects in children, including growth issues, neurobehavioral changes, developmental problems, and metabolic abnormalities,” Dizon said.

BAN Toxics has consistently advocated for child protection from hazardous chemicals and urged regulatory agencies and the public to take action. Despite existing laws, there is an urgent need to enhance government efforts to address the unregulated production and import of hazardous children’s items.

Dizon called on the administration to prioritize enacting a “Safe and Non-Hazardous Children's Products Law” to enhance the regulation of hazardous chemicals in children’s products. In 2017, House Bill 6702, the “Safe and Non-Hazardous Children’s Products Act,” was passed but never enacted.

“We urge lawmakers and the Marcos Jr. administration to pursue this legislative agenda, as not enough is being done to protect children from hazardous chemicals,” Dizon said.

On June 27, BAN Toxics will join the East Avenue Medical Center for a community outreach event in Quezon City to emphasize poison prevention at home and schools, as part of National Poison Prevention Week activities. Proclamation No. 1777, issued in 2009, declares the fourth week of June as National Poison Prevention Week.

[This news article was AI-assisted.]