ENVIRONMENTAL watchdog EcoWaste Coalition urged consumers on Monday to avoid purchasing uncertified Christmas lights, citing risks of electric shocks and fires during the holiday season.
The group highlighted the importance of choosing lights bearing the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker, as required by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
In recent test buys conducted in Caloocan, Manila, and Quezon Cities, EcoWaste Coalition reported purchasing 13 uncertified Christmas light sets priced between P100 and P279. These products lacked proper labels and certification marks.
Tests revealed alarmingly high levels of lead in the cords of seven products, ranging from 2,868 to 7,960 parts per million (ppm), and in the solder of one product, which contained 2,072 ppm.
These figures far exceed the European Union’s 1,000 ppm limit under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Lead exposure can harm human health, especially in children, and pollutes the environment, the EU warns.
“Certified Christmas lights not only protect your family from potential hazards but also comply with global safety and environmental standards,” EcoWaste Coalition’s statement reads in part.
The group urged the public to follow DTI’s safety tips, including inspecting old lights for damage, replacing burnt-out bulbs, avoiding overloaded outlets, and not leaving lights on overnight.
Consumers were also reminded to dispose of damaged lighting sets properly to minimize risks.
